Past Editions—Need to Know Archives
CRN’s probiotics retailer education program, “Probiotics: What’s Inside is Alive,” has helpful resources to help you purchase high-quality probiotics from responsible manufacturers. You should be asking your vendors these 10 questions to ensure you have the best products on your shelves.
Research supports link between vitamin D, COVID-19
“Increasing evidence points to a link between higher vitamin D levels and lower incidence of COVID-19,” said CRN’s Luke Huber, ND, MBA. Thirteen recent meta-analyses, generated from more than 100 clinical trials, have examined vitamin D and COVID-19, with multiple analyses revealing that higher blood levels of vitamin D appear to be correlated with lower incidence or severity of COVID-19.
The science: “This growing body of research does not suggest that vitamin D is a substitute for vaccines, mask wearing, social distancing or other behaviors to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus,” noted Dr. Huber. “But the data does indicate that vitamin D levels may play a role, in combination with other therapies, in strengthening the immune system to resist the virus.”
Why it matters: “Consumers need science-based evidence to make informed health decisions,” said CRN Foundation Executive Director Brian Wommack. “We hope consumers use these findings to better understand how nutrients like vitamin D support their goal of living a healthy lifestyle.”
The CRN Foundation’s “Vitamin D & Me!” consumer education initiative delivers unbiased education on the latest science to help people make smarter decisions to maintain their health, focusing on U.S. consumers 55 and older. The website features summaries of key research on vitamin D and COVID-19, interviews with scientific experts, educational information on what vitamin D means to health status, and vitamin D health news stories.
Keep reading to learn more about the helpful resources available through the Vitamin D & Me! website.
Infectious disease expert shares consumer-friendly insights on vitamin D supplementation
"Vitamin D supplementation is associated with improved inflammation and immune activation," said Grace McComsey, M.D., FIDSA, in a recent interview for the Vitamin D & Me! website. Sharing insights from her experience researching vitamin D and HIV, Dr. McComsey discussed the importance of vitamin D levels—and inflammation—being within an optimal range for immune function.
When your customers have questions: Dr. McComsey’s interview offers expert insights on topics relevant to supplement consumers:
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How vitamin D is used by the body
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Why healthcare practitioners may recommend varying amounts of vitamin D supplementation
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How to best support immune health with vitamin D and vitamin K2 supplementation in the event of another pandemic
Visit the website to hear from more experts about the relationship between vitamin D and COVID-19.
Educate your consumers about vitamin D basics
Most Americans don’t get enough vitamin D. Research from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001–2010 found that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) was nearly 29% and vitamin D insufficiency (VDI) was 41% in a subset of 26,010 U.S. adults—collectively, that equates to 70% of the population that doesn’t have recommended levels of vitamin D in their blood.
To better serve your customers, learn more about the risk factors for developing low vitamin D status and population groups with a demonstrated higher prevalence of VDD and VDI.
The “Get Educated” section of the Vitamin D & Me! website can help retailers share trusted information about recommended intake, vitamin D and the immune system, and answers important questions, including:
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Why is vitamin D important?
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What role does vitamin D play in respiratory infections, including COVID-19
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How do we get vitamin D?
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What are the recommended intake levels of vitamin D?
More: Access additional educational material here.