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Newsletter Archive

October 26, 2017

Cancer hacking with vitamin D

Racial disparity is a major concern for the US today. Average vitamin D levels for blacks and Hispanics are much lower than whites and rates of disease much higher. GrassrootsHealth studies on have found that increasing vitamin D levels for black women equalizes preterm birth rates between black and white women. Could other conditions have a similar response? Keywords: Racial Disparity, Cancer, Preterm Birth, Success Story, Donations

October 12, 2017

Breast Cancer AWARENESS is not enough

Despite awareness campaigns every October since 1985, breast cancer incidence rates have remained steady; 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed. There is enough research available to formidably say that vitamin D can significantly reduce the risk of new cancer; for something so inexpensive, effective, safe, and with such potentially positive consequences, it’s time to move! Keywords: Breast Cancer, Incidence, Prevention, Garland, Mammography

October 5, 2017

PREVENT Cancer NOW!

This month is known rather widely as ‘Breast Cancer Awareness Month’. Currently, ‘awareness’ is focused only on early detection–after the cancer is already there. What can we do about prevention??? Keywords: Cancer, Breast Cancer, Prevention, Donations, Lappe, RCTs

August 24, 2017

Decreasing Cancer Incidence

If you saw that 77% cancer could be prevented by getting your vitamin D level to at least 40 ng/ml (100 nmol/L), what would you do????  Help us take very aggressive action now!  Keywords: Cancer, Breast Cancer, Lappe, RCTs

August 10, 2017

We need your activism – to help change our health culture

Please help us STOP the culture of disease treatment and help move our society to a culture of HEALTH and PREVENTION.  Please join our We Can’t Wait Action Campaign with your donation today to help us work with other hospitals, with cancer centers; to help them implement the Decision Support system, the education and internal practices to be successful. In order to do this, we need your financial support… Keywords: Research Implementation, Preterm Birth, Cancer, Matching Donations

August 3, 2017

World Breastfeeding Week

Not enough vitamin D in breast milk, no supplementation, and no sun puts far too many babies at risk of deficiency, and at increased risk of many future diseases such as allergies, asthma, autism, cancer, cardiovascular disease and more. Keywords: Breastfeeding, Babies, Pregnancy, Postpartum Depression, Matching Donations

July 27, 2017

60% Preterm Birth Reduction Demonstrated

Our first paper on Protect our Children NOW! at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is now published. Findings from previous randomized controlled trials have been moved into practice, and the results of that larger scale “field trial” support the RCT findings.  Keywords: Pregnancy, Preterm Birth, Babies, Field Trial, Donate

July 20, 2017

If you are not taking vitamin D daily – then it may not be working

Why do many research studies use what is called ‘bolus’ dosing or dosing at higher rates, but at intervals that are far apart?  Bolus dosing does not replicate daily dosing, as described in detail in this newsletter.  Keywords: Dosing, Bolus Dosing, Omega-3s and Longevity

July 13, 2017

What Nature Intended

Today we are bringing you the findings of researchers who have studied this for both vitamin D and Omega-3. If after reading these articles you think, “I want to ensure I am at those levels!” then remember that the only way to know is to measure. Keywords: Ancestral levels, Omega-3s, Target levels

July 6, 2017

Can we get the nutrients we need from food?

This newsletter highlights research showing whether enough vitamin D and/or omega-3s can be obtained through diet alone.  Read some of our own published research on the topic, as well as an interview with a participant who was able to reach adequate vitamin D levels without supplementation — what did she eat on a daily basis to do this?  Keywords: Diet, Foods, Omega-3s, Nutrition

 

June 29, 2017

Take stock of your health

What does it take to move research into practice?  What does it take to understand the research and use it for your own health?  Keywords: Research, Measurement, Tracking, Toxicity, Healthcare

June 22, 2017

GrassrootsHealth Continues to Move Research into Practice

GrassrootsHealth makes continuous efforts to defend our rights to make personal and informed decisions about our health. Our latest effort: We are launching the GrassrootsHealth Wellness Center, a way to provide you quality supplements–at a discount–and, to provide ongoing donations to us, solely with the purchase of the supplements. Please take advantage of this today. Keywords: Supplements, Wellness Products, Research, Omega-3s, Depression, Autism

June 15, 2017

What does it take to LEAD change in healthcare?

With vitamin D, there are several areas of urgency where we need to MOVE quickly and firmly to save those involved. We need your sponsorship dollars to help us continue to implement projects to address this urgency in hospitals around the country, to save lives and dollars. Please help us today, make a donation, let us know how you can help.  Keywords: Preterm Birth, Pregnancy, Alzheimer’s Disease, Implementation, Institutions, Hospitals

June 9, 2017

Understanding the US vitamin D RDA

This week we want to revisit the topic of the current US RDA for vitamin D and government recommendations for vitamin D serum levels, and provide you with information and tools so you can make your own decisions -manage your own health using real data and real research. Keywords: Institute of Medicine (IOM), National Academy of Sciences (NAS), RDA, UL, Intake, Research, Veugelers, Dr. Robert Heaney

June 2, 2017

Announcing D*action+Omega-3

As a D*action participant and GrassrootsHealth follower, you probably already have an idea of how your vitamin D level may affect your health… How could your Omega-3 Index level affect your health as well? Find out by joining D*action+Omega-3 to test your D and Omega-3 Index levels. Keywords: D*action+Omega-3, Omega-3 Index, FAQs, Omega-3 Call to Action, Special Offer

May 25, 2017

We evolved to be in sunlight!

This week we are summarizing two different papers on the pros and cons of sun exposure. Both papers conclude that healthy, non-burning sun is important for a vibrant life. We also continue to explain how to get healthy sun – it is an equation that you have to discover for yourself.  Keywords: Sunshine, Skin, Dermatology, Research, Erythema Dose, Skin Type, UV

May 18, 2017

15 minutes, 3 times a week may not be enough!

Last week we discussed skin type, this week – UV index. How are you doing? Are you acclimatizing to the sun before summer starts? Getting regular, non-burning sun? Keywords: Sunshine, Publich Health Seminar, UV Index, Skin Damage

May 11, 2017

Free D*action membership during sunshine month

Today, to help illustrate the need for evaluating benefits and risk we are profiling Dr. Richard Weller who has succinctly explained why sun is good for overall health, even with the risk it poses for skin cancer. In addition we are explaining the first key to understanding sensible sun exposure – skin type. Keywords: Sunshine, Heart Health, Weller, Skin Cancer, Skin Type

May 4, 2017

May is national sunshine month

As we start national sunshine month the most important thing to do is set the stage. There is no perfect amount of sun for everyone. Several factors determine how long to be in the sun… Keywords: Sunshine, Skin, History of Sun Therapy, Wunsch

April 27, 2017

Vitamin D Safety

With this newsletter we continue to give you scientific information to help you address negative vitamin D stories in the press by giving you new evaluation tools and information. Keywords: RDA, Safety, PTH Levels, Lab Test Method

April 20, 2017

How to respond to negative headlines

There has been much in the media lately about vitamin D being ineffective. There is so much evidence and research that just needs to be analyzed by serum level, that just needs an explanation. Every time we look at a study that shows vitamin D is ineffective there is a reason. We hope you are learning to recognize the signs and be able to respond. Keywords: Cancer, News, Lappe, Serum Level, New York Times

April 14, 2017

At what age does your blueprint for health start?

In this newsletter we concentrate on research relating to how vitamin D in utero affects the future life of the newborn. Keywords: Pregnancy, Preconception, Lactation, RSV, Immune Health, Brain Development, Type 1 Diabetes, Asthma, VDAART

April 7, 2017

Cancer decisions with vitamin D

Dr. Lappe’s latest research paper was published in the March 28th edition of JAMA. Since that time, due to some specific wording in the paper, there have been headlines around the world that give the impression to readers that there was no reduction in cancer as vitamin D level increased. That is not so…  Keywords: Cancer, Lappe Trials, p-value, serum level.

 

March 30, 2017

We don’t need a new healthcare plan – we need vitamin D!

Results are in from the first nutrient field trial on vitamin D and pregnancy – Protect our Children NOW! This program changed the standard of care for all pregnant women at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), to screen all pregnant women for vitamin D deficiency and achieve blood serum levels greater than 40 ng/ml (100 nmol/L). Check them out and spread the news! Keywords: Vitamin D Workshop, MUSC, Nutrient Field Trial, Preterm Birth, Pregnancy

 

March 23, 2017

Vitamin D Workshop

The 20th Vitamin D Workshop will be held March 28 through 31 in Orlando, FL, with a pre-workshop event, Vitamin D in the Prevention of Health Disparities During Pregnancy and Early Infancy, held at MUSC in Charleston, SC on March 23. Keywords: Vitamin D Workshop, Bone Health, Elderly

 

March 16, 2017

Can vitamin D help stave off dementia and Alzheimer’s?

What if vitamin D, in early years, had a protective effect? We present three different studies that say just that, maybe even to the point that the earliest of all – in utero – has a protective effect for adulthood. Keywords: Alzheimer’s, Dementia, the brain, Mizwicki, Burne

 

March 9, 2017

March is Multiple Sclerosis Month

This newsletter is a comprehensive review of vitamin D and MS – including information and a video about Dr. Coimbra and his protocol to put MS into remission, testimonials from some of his patients and others with MS, feedback from the scientists, and other promissing research. Keywords: Multiple Sclerosis, Winter, Dr. Coimbra, SOLAR Trial

 

March 2, 2017

It is the end of winter

This week focuses on the seasonal effects of vitamin D. We all know colds and flu are more prevalent in the winter, and here you will learn why. How does this affect your health? Now is the time to test to see what happened to your vitamin D level throughout the winter. Keywords: Winter, Seasons, Sunlight, D*calculator

 

February 23, 2017

Vitamin D Works!

To truly understand the research on vitamin D, it is important to look for key elements and be able to recognize shortcomings in research and media reports. Today we want to make you aware of a paper from Europe that challenged the myth that there is a U or J-shaped curve with respect to vitamin D at physiological levels. Keywords: Research, Gaksch, U-Shaped Curve, J-Shaped Curve, Mortality

 

February 16, 2017

Top 18 Vitamin D Studies

Orthomolecular Medicine News Service has released “The Top 18 Vitamin D Vitamin D Papers in 2015-2016,” three of which included authors from GrassrootsHealth. We are pleased to share with you this summary of vitamin D research for the years 2015 and 2016. Keywords: Research, Dosage, Serum Levels, Dr. William Grant

 

February 9, 2017

Unite to prevent preterm births NOW!

There is enough research, including a major nutrient field trial, confirming vitamin D levels above 40 ng/ml can greatly decrease the risk of preterm birth, setting children up for a healthier life. It is time to initiate a call to action for all pregnant women and educate all pregnant women and OBs about a necessary change to the standard of care. Keywords: Pregnancy, Nutrient Field Trial, Preterm Birth, Dr. Roger Newman, SMFM Video

 

February 2, 2017

Omega-3 here we come!

We will be adding an Omega-3 Nutrient Field Trial to our project with D*action early April, 2017. With this measurement as well as the vitamin D serum levels, we can help you find out exactly what’s working for you, what combinations and levels of these nutrients. Keywords: Omega 3, Nutrient Field Trial, Omega Index, Omega Types and Sources

 

January 26, 2017

Racial Disparity in Health

Racial disparity in health is brought up in many public health forums, especially for cities or regions that have a high African American population. Last week’s newsletter brought up some points, and we wanted to expand on that information with a webinar from 2013 that is still very relevant today, along with more great information. Keywords: Skin color, African Americans, Racial disparities, NHANES, Dr. Grant, infant mortality

 

January 19, 2017

Your skin color and vitamin D

Skin color makes a big difference in the amount of vitamin D you get from the sun, which is important to be aware of because, for most people, the majority of vitamin D intake still comes from sun exposure. In this newsletter we discuss statistics that show that many diseases are much more prevalent in those with darker skin. Could vitamin D levels contribute to these discrepancies? Can raising everyone’s vitamin D levels eliminate racial disparity and thus reduce negative health outcomes? Keywords: Skin color, African Americans, Racial disparities, NHANES, MUSC, pregnancy, preterm birth, diabetes

 

January 11, 2017

Vitamin D Year of ACTION

Welcome to what is already promising to be a very exciting vitamin D new year. We’ll see lots of implementation ACTION, much in part to your participation in this very healthy endeavor. Keywords: Pregnancy, Cancer, Omega 3, Special Offer

 

November 23, 2016

Sun Aviodance–The Pendulum has Swung Too Far!

We are working hard to help shift the strict recommendation for sun avoidance towards a sun policy of trying to achieve regular, non-burning sun exposure for optimal health. Not avoidance. Let’s get back to times when we were allowed to enjoy the sun for what it is – a valuable part of the environment – and our health. Keywords: Sun, Hoel, Gwenneth Paltrow

 

November 16, 2016

World Prematurity Day is November 17

We need each and every one of you that knows something about vitamin D to help us move forward with the message that we absolutely MUST have a serum level of 40 ng/ml or above, especially in pregnancy. Please use some of the resources in this newsletter to take to your friends, your local institutions, the WORLD to help get people to take action this very day… and, applaud all the great organizations that are already doing so. Keywords: Pregnancy, Prematurity, Premature, Babies, MUSC, Dr. Wagner, ACN Award

 

November 1, 2016

Tomorrow is Vitamin D Day

Vitamin D Day (November 2) was created by the Vitamin D Society and is co-sponsored by both GrassrootsHealth and Vitamin D Council. Learn more and help spread the word! Keywords: APHA, Vitamin D Day, Colds, Flu

 

October 27, 2016

Eradicate breast cancer

Age-adjusted breast cancer incidence rates have tripled in the USA since the mid-1930’s. We know that raising the serum 25(OH) D to 50 ng/ml (125 nmol/L) will prevent half of postmenopausal breast cancer, based on 14 supportive observational studies and a randomized trial in the effective range for vitamin D3. The time is NOW to put vitamin D in action… Keywords: Breast Cancer, Primary and Secondary Prevention, APHA, Lappe, Garland, Disease Eradication

 

October 12, 2016

Vitamin D and Risk of Breast Cancer

At GrassrootsHealth, we consider October breast cancer PREVENTION month. How can we address prevention? What can we do about it and what role does vitamin D play? Keywords: Breast Cancer, DINOMIT, Lappe, Welsh, Garland

 

October 5, 2016

No significant change to breast cancer incidence in 30 years

Throughout this month we will present findings on vitamin D and breast cancer. Currently, the American Cancer Society says that the chance of a women getting breast cancer in her lifetime is 12.3%, or approximately 1 out of every 8 women! That number is staggering, but what is even worse is that over the last three decades, that number has not significantly changed…  Keywords: Breast Cancer, Lappe and GrassrootsHealth Study, D*champion, Dr. Garland, Top 5 Breast Cancer Studies

 

September 16, 2016

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Since it is prostate cancer awareness month, it is a good time to remind everyone about our scientists’ findings on vitamin D and prostate cancer.  Read on for a summary of the research, and update on a participant’s own experience with prostate cancer, and more. Keywords: Prostate Cancer, Hollis, Vieth, Breastfeeding Petition

 

September 7, 2016

Get ready for cold and flu season

This week are sharing your data with respect to cold and flu prevention. Does a higher vitamin D serum level decrease the likelihood of getting a cold or flu? Keywords: Cold, Flu, Survey, Breastfeeding Petition

 

August 24, 2016

Vitamin D and Breastfeeding

If you know that most women of childbearing age are vitamin D deficient, it starts to make sense that they wouldn’t have the vitamin D available to pass on in their breast milk. This puts far too many babies at risk of vitamin D deficiency, and at increased risk of many future diseases that could be avoided. What can be done, and how can we make sure that the breast fed baby and the mother both have enough vitamin D?  Keywords: Breastfeeding, Infants, Babies, Pregnancy, Baby-Friendly, Lactation

 

August 10, 2016

#screennow

We are initiating a community screening campaign to build awareness, to take action.  As we go around the country, we have many individuals who are now knowledgeable about their vitamin D, but, NO big community groups taking action as fast as they could.  Please work with your friends, workers, community to initiate such an awareness campaign where you live.  LIVES can be changed, helped by vitamin D today.  Keywords: Vitamin D Screening, Grassroots Movement, Community, NHANES Trends

 

August 8, 2016

Robert Heaney – In Memorium

Dr. Robert Heaney left us on August 6, 2016.  In this newsletter, we have provided some information about his accomplishments for you.  We’d truly love to have any memories you have with him shared with us/facebook to share with the world! Keywords: Dr Robert Heaney

 

July 27, 2016

Evidence and Action – A Summary

This week’s newsletter gives specifics about various health benefits, safety, and the costs, in terms of lives, of waiting to get the population serum levels to 40-60 ng/ml.  We truly encourage you to help others ‘take action’ now! Keywords: Evidence Based, Safety, Cost, Population

 

July 20, 2016

Evidence and Action – Cancer

It is hard to know what to do with nutrient related information these days. Is it correct? Would it help your health condition? With any nutrient, including vitamin D, you could search the Internet and find several positive and negative articles on its effect. This week’s newsletter gives tips on how to decipher the good research from the bad, and articulate it to others. Keywords: Evidence Based, Cancer Studies, Garland Map

 

July 13, 2016

Evidence and Action – Interpreting Results

This week we will give a summary of some of the data on vitamin D and cancer. There is a lot already – how many do we need? Please share this information with those who can make a difference – in their own lives, in their families, in their communities, in their practice. Keywords: Evidence Based, Treatment Groups vs Serum Levels, Heaney Guidelines, Grant, Holick

 

July 6, 2016

Evidence and Action – Part 1

This week’s news addresses evidence based medicine: what it is and what it isn’t, with discussions on the credibility of RCTs for nutrient research. Keywords: Evidence Based, RCTs, Sackett, Garland

 

June 29, 2016

Vitamin D and Pain

Vitamin D matters with pain. This week we are summarizing what we have learned from your data on pain and a paper where a VA medical center changed their standard of care to include vitamin D testing for patients who present with two or more areas of chronic pain. They initiated a quality improvement initiative based on research – moving research into practice. Keywords: Your Data, Your Answers, Research, Pain

 

June 22, 2016

What have you learned from GrassrootsHealth?

In this newsletter, we will present what you have demonstrated with your data in the past 9 years, since the founding of GrassrootsHealth and D*action in 2007.  We can’t wait until everything is known about vitamin D and how it works for particular conditions.  Our group has definitely built a very strong picture of vitamin D safety and ability to be monitored for all. Keywords: Your Data, Your Answers, Research, Safety, Evidence

 

June 16, 2016

Missoula Can’t Wait!

We are very excited to launch a Protect Our Children NOW! in Montana at the Western Montana Clinic (WMC). Vitamin D testing and supplementation will be available at no cost to all pregnant women receiving care at the clinic. The project will include patient and health care provider education, screening and vitamin D supplements.  It is this kind of understanding – that we CAN bring research into practice – that makes things happen. We can implement change. Keywords: Preterm Birth, Pregnancy Health, Missoula, Protect Our Children NOW!

 

June 9, 2016

We Can’t Wait!

We don’t need to wait! Lives are literally being lost to various vitamin D related conditions.  We know enough about vitamin D in many areas to implement it safely into practice. Help us act now! Keywords: Preterm Birth, Cancer, Pregnancy Health, Research, Fundraising, March of Dimes

 

May 25, 2016

Harness the Sun: Duration

Sunshine is important for health, but you must first assess your current situation to get the full benefit of sunshine exposure without burning and increasing risk of skin cancer.  This newsletter discusses the proper time to be in the sun, and introduces a helpful way to track sun exposure. Keywords: Sunshine, Erythema Dose, Skin Cancer, Melanoma, dminder, Sun4Health*action, Sunscreen, Dr. Gorham, CME

 

May 18, 2016

Harness the Sun: UV Strength

This week’s newsletter continues the discussion of using sunlight for health, with a focus on the UV index, a numerical comparison between the risk and benefit of sunlight and disease, supported by new research and resources.  Keywords: Sunshine Month, Sun Exposure, Dr. Garland, UV Index

 

May 11, 2016

Harness the Sun: skin type and overall health

To help illustrate the need for evaluating benefits and risk of sun exposure for health, this newsletter profiles Dr. Richard Weller, who has succinctly explained why sun is good, even with the risk it poses to skin cancer. In addition we explain the first key to understanding sensible sun exposure – skin type.  Keywords: Sunshine Month, Sun Exposure, Dr. Weller, skin type, Sunny Hippocrates

 

May 5, 2016

Harness the Power of the Sun for Health

In an effort to increase public awareness of the importance of sunshine to human health, we are declaring May to be “National Sunshine Month.” Over the next four weeks, we will teach you how to Harness the Power of the Sun for Health. Our goal is to provide you with education and tools to (1) assess your current situation, (2) set sunshine goals, (3) track vitamin D levels, and (4) record health outcomes.  Keywords: Sunshine Month, Sun Exposure, Dr. Wunsch, Sunny Hippocrates

 

April 27, 2016

D*action Sponsorships

Now that we see very clearly and unambiguously that vitamin D does have a role in reducing the risk of cancer, how can we DO something?  We are inviting sponsors to step in and provide a major reward to you, the participant, in the form of a coupon for future products from their outlet!  Encourage stores, groups or businesses that you have a personal relationship with to become a D*action sponsor.  Keywords: Sponsors, Coupons, Cancer, New Research, Cancer Interview, Sharon McDonnell, Sunshine Month

 

April 13, 2016

Know your D level

This week, please enjoy the stories from others about how they are treating their conditions with vitamin D and remember to get yourself up-to-date. If you haven’t tested your D level in the last 6 months then you are due.  Keywords: Multiple Sclerosis, Hashimoto’s and Lyme Disease, Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR), Ankylosing Spondylitis, vision, Personal Stories

 

April 6, 2016

Lower risk of cancer with vitamin D

Today, April 6, 2016, is the release of a truly definitive paper about vitamin D and cancer. Our plea to ALL of you–please, please help get the attention of everyone to the idea that we CAN greatly reduce the risk of cancer by getting vitamin D levels to at least 40 ng/ml.  It’s urgent, it’s also very, very wasteful for no attention to be paid!  Help us take very aggressive action now!   Keywords: Cancer, Cancer Risk, Cancer Study, Vitamin D Workshop

 

March 30, 2016

Here’s to the end of MS!

This week’s newsletter presents a final round of information on vitamin D and MS, including an interview with Dr. Reinhold Vieth, a review of the SOLAR study, and an exciting announcement about the largest managed care organization in the US recommending more sun for better health!   Keywords: Multiple Sclerosis, MS, MS Research, Dr. Reinhold Vieth, the SOLAR study, Kaiser Permanente

 

March 23, 2016

A Personal Study on Vitamin D and MS

This newsletter presents another perspective on how a life with MS can be bettered with vitamin D by detailing a study conducted by a researcher on herself, after being diagnosed with MS.   Keywords: Multiple Sclerosis, MS, MS Research, Dr. Barbara van Amerongen

 

March 16, 2016

What Does the Equator have to do with MS?

MS organizations are funding research, but it may not adequately represent vitamin D’s potential. Our hope is that by this time next year we can report on a study, which will have been funded by a major MS organization, showing the efficacy of vitamin D and MS or a new standard of care to prevent MS – or as the National MS Society says – “a world free of MS.”   Keywords: Multiple Sclerosis, MS, MS Research, Dr. Cedric Garland, Sunshine, Latitude

 

March 9, 2016

Let’s Hear from the MS Community!

Maybe you don’t have MS. Maybe you have another condition. We would like to hear from you! This week we are presenting two success stories from the Coimbra Protocol. Both Brazilian women. Both with long-term success.   Keywords: Multiple Sclerosis, MS, Dr. Coimbra

 

March 2, 2016

MS Treatment Protocol May Put Patients in Remission

Vitamin D is great for prevention of disease, but what about treatment after you’ve been diagnosed? Since March is National Multiple Sclerosis month, now is the perfect time to bring it out into the light.The protocol we’ll be highlighting in this newsletter was developed by Dr. Cicero Coimbra of Brazil.   Keywords: Multiple Sclerosis, MS, Dr. Coimbra

 

February 24, 2016

The Importance of Regular Testing

It is more important now than ever to continue with D*action. The more participants we have who regularly test and report health outcomes (every 6 months is ideal) – the more powerful our data, our research, and our ability to reach out and spread the word.   Keywords: Testing, research, supplementation, special offer

 

February 17, 2016

Heart Health – Diabetes is a Major Risk Factor

One of the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease is diabetes – a disease known to be associated with vitamin D status. While the association has been documented for many years, including a 2008 analysis showing a connection to latitude, we were recently able to use your D*action data to help isolate the range of vitamin D status that appears to be most closely associated with type 2 diabetes.   Keywords: Heart Health, Type 2 Diabetes, nutrient curve, s-shaped curve, system response

 

February 10, 2016

HYLION: A New Translational Research Paradigm

We are proud to announce HYLIONTM: a set of tools developed with your help and input over the past several years designed to facilitate moving research into practice… NOW!   Keywords: Hylion, Nutrients, Translational Research

 

February 3, 2016

February is Heart Health Month

As with many conditions, we believe vitamin D deficiency to be another risk factor to consider for cardiovascular disease (CVD), which includes heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. The number of ways in which vitamin D helps prevent CVD are presented to you in this week’s newsletter.   Keywords: Heart Disease, CVD, stroke, Dr. Sane, Dr. Giovannucci, Dr. Wang

 

January 27, 2016

RCTs are not designed for public health

At this point, we have seen so many problems with the design of RCT’s that get in the way of making public health decisions, i.e., does the nutrient benefit health? At what levels? What can we do? In the trial described in this newsletter, The Vitamin D Antenatal Asthma Reduction Trial (VDAART), there are several areas where the information we need is missing….   Keywords: RCTs, P value, Dr. Bruce Hollis, public health

 

January 20, 2016

Dosing Intervals Matter

Today we’re presenting yet another set of vitamin D information from a different research point of view – enzymology.  We also continue to provide you some significant ways of looking at vitamin D research and what is found that is beyond the immediate news headlines.   Keywords: Bischoff-Ferrari Study, Dosing Interval, Enzymology, Reinhold Vieth Interview

 

January 14, 2016

Vitamin D controversy in the news

This week we are providing you with the information you need to better understand the research out there, and how to see beyond the headlines found in the mainstream press. Please help spread the truth – that vitamin D is safe, and should be received daily.   Keywords: Bischoff-Ferrari Study, Dosing Interval, Clinical Trials

 

January 6, 2016

Does vitamin D protect your brain?

Dementia encompasses a broad category of brain diseases that cause long term and gradual decline of brain function, usually starting with memory loss and increasing to loss of bodily functions.  This newsletter references a number of different research papers about this subject as well as a GrassrootsHealth webinar video on vitamin D and Alzheimer’s prevention.   Keywords: Alzheimer’s, Dementia

 

December 30, 2015

Your Nutrient Profile

GrassrootsHealth will be initiating a pilot early this coming year to capture Your Nutrient Profile data as an optional part of our questionnaire for our ongoing analysis.  With your participation, we can use your shared information about what other nutrients you take, how much, when, in what form, even what brands you take, and start analyzing the data for everyone to answer questions about the impact of a combination of nutrients on your health.    Keywords: Nutrients, Health Conditions, Vitamin K, Magnesium, Calcium

 

December 16, 2015

Vitamin D Implementation Expands for YOU

Your participation in the D*action project as well as the implementation of our Protect our Children NOW! project at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) are demonstrating that vitamin D CAN and IS being accepted and implemented in institutional settings as well as with the general public. These are major milestones demonstrating that in today’s technological/communication world, we need new methods to rapidly expand the results of research into yet another major area of evidence based implementation.   Keywords: MUSC, Methodology, Pregnancy, Placenta

 

December 10, 2015

The gift of measurement for YOU

This week we introduce the D*calculator, something extremely basic, to allow you to use the published information from our research and, that of others, to give you some measurement guides for how much vitamin D to take.   Keywords: D*calculator, Vitamin D Intake vs. Serum 25(OH)D

 

December 2, 2015

Recognition for Dr. Robert Heaney

Dr. Robert Heaney was presented with a Lifetime Recognition award at the US House of Representatives on his birthday, November 10th. As our Research Director he has been very instrumental in helping guide everything from our thinking processes about research to the writing and production of the research. By this Friday, December 4th, please take a moment and share your personal appreciation for his service for a special award to him from GrassrootsHealth.   Keywords: Heaney, Test, Measurement, D*advocate

 

November 25, 2015

Let’s give thanks to vitamin D!

Thank you for being a part of GrassrootsHealth, whether you started out with us at our first seminar in December of 2008, or just found out about us today, we appreciate your support and your own efforts to spread the word about vitamin D.   Keywords: Thanks, D*action, Breast Cancer Study, Protect Our Children NOW!

 

November 18, 2015

Smile for vitamin D

Did you know that adequate vitamin D can not only support good oral hygiene but also heal existing cavities? And would it surprise you to learn that the vitamin D level of a mother will affect the oral health of her children? Read more about vitamin D and diet for oral health, and get the latest on serum vitamin D levels of summer lifeguards.  Keywords: Oral Health, Cavities, Lifeguards

 

November 12, 2015

How to Prevent Preterm Births NOW!

This week we are honored to announce a new paper that clearly shows the >50% reduction in risk of preterm birth with a vitamin D serum level of at least 40 ng/mL from a randomized controlled trial done by Hollis and Wagner. We realize that many of you reading this are not pregnant. But… do you have children? Grandchildren? Think about the importance of this information. Could you help spread the word?  Keywords: Pregnancy, March of Dimes, Comparison Chart, LOESS Curve, D*party

 

November 4, 2015

We are entering a vitamin D winter

As we enter the winter here in the Northern Hemisphere, it is important to be aware that over the next several months, the sun will not be a good source for vitamin D. This is our Vitamin D Winter. To learn more, listen to our featured video of the week, sunshine calendar, and other information featured in this newsletter.  Keywords: Winter, Gombart, Sunshine Calendar

 

October 28, 2015

Role of sunlight in achieving vitamin D sufficiency

We are creating a deficiency by misunderstanding and, lack of knowledge. Key Fact:  Our bodies’ vitamin D production was programmed to be primarily through the skin, from sunshine. But can you get the amount of vitamin D you need from sun alone, and if so, how?   Keywords: Sunlight, Sunscreen, Serum Level by Sun Exposure

 

October 21, 2015

Role of Food in D Deficiency

At this time, we don’t have food sources of vitamin D that provide enough to meet our daily needs. This is changing, however. While certain food sources can contribute significantly to vitamin D status, it is likely that vitamin D supplementation will remain key to improving vitamin D status at a population level. The KEY is still to monitor our serum levels with our individual lifestyles.  If, indeed, you are able to get your serum level to 40 ng/ml without supplements, go for it!   Keywords: Food, Milk, Diet

 

October 14, 2015

Role of Food Fortification with D Deficiency

Today is the first of three newsletters that discuss different ways we could be tackling vitamin D deficiency world-wide. This first news is centered around food fortification.  Keywords: Whiting, Fortification, Lappe, D*action, Non-Skin Cancer Cases

 

October 7, 2015

Higher vitamin D levels may lower cancer risk

A clinical trial led by Joan Lappe, PhD, RN, FAAN, at Crieghton University found that women given vitamin D and calcium were diagnosed with 80% fewer cases of non-skin cancer than women who received a placebo. GrassrootsHealth was given access to the data from the Lappe trial to compare it to the D*action data. Read on for the results of that analysis, as well as a letter from Dr. Cedric Garland, How to Prevent Breast Cancer.  Keywords: Breast Cancer, Cancer, Lappe

 

October 1, 2015

It’s Breast Cancer Prevention Month

It’s time to change the questions that are asked, the range of answers that are given, i.e., it’s time to change the game.  Learn how you can take action to help prevent breast cancer in those you love and those around you, and just do it!   Keywords: Breast Cancer, Treatments, Prevention, Breast Cancer Study

 

September 23, 2015

Announcing D*party

Many of you have asked us over the years how you can help – we have found a way – we are launching D*party. This is a way for you to host a gathering where people can be informed about vitamin D and take the next step – test their level and join D*action – to support moving research into practice.   Keywords: D*party, Group Vitamin D Serum Levels

 

September 16, 2015

How to Choose a Daily Supplement Intake

Many of us struggle with how to get to the recommended vitamin D serum level of 40-60 ng/ml. Should we choose sun? Food? Supplementation?  This newsletter and included charts and example will help determine exactly how to reach your goal.   Keywords: Supplements, Supplementation Amounts, Supplementation Chart, Medical Staff Vitamin D Levels

 

September 10, 2015

Medical University of South Carolina Leads the Way!

In this newsletter, we announce that MUSC, under the direction of Dr. Roger Newman, has implemented a new standard of care which includes testing the vitamin D level of every new pregnant woman.  Also discussed are the steps and average time it takes to move research into practice, how that time can be improved, and what GrassrootsHealth has in place now to address the issue.  Keywords: MUSC, Change in Practice

 

September 2, 2015

Does vitamin D prevent colds and flu?

Coming over the next several months, we’ll take you along as we launch new research projects which will enlarge our base of scientific support and, provide yet more answers for you.  In addition, we will be working on a number of ‘Special Projects’ with the aim of quick turnaround time for answers that could affect your health actions in the short term. This month, we’re announcing our first ‘Special Project’ …   Keywords: Cold, Flu, Scientist Panel

View answers to this newsletter by Dr. Camargo here.

 

August 26, 2015

Can vitamin D be toxic?

Since the start of GrassrootsHealth, two of the most common questions asked have been “How much vitamin D should I take?” and “Is vitamin D toxic?”.  This week we provide a detailed answer to each of those questions, and offer you an opportunity to ask further questions about toxicity to one of the field’s leading experts.  This is a newsletter to share with all your friends and family!   Keywords: Toxicity, Serum Levels

View answers to this newsletter by Dr. Cannell here.

 

August 19, 2015

Vitamin D is the key!

Our highlighted article this week is from Dr. Robert Heaney about the role vitamin D has played in the evolution of our species.  Also featured is a fun, new children’s book all about vitamin D! And, please make use of our resource, Ask a Scientist, to ask any questions you have related to today’s information.  Keywords: Heaney, Human Tree, Children’s Book

View answers to this newsletter by Drs. Heaney and Garland here.

August 12, 2015

Vitamin D utilization

This week we’re sharing the story of one of our D*action participants – how regular testing of his D levels showed how much his level dropped when he got sick.   Keywords: Utilization, Resolutions

View answers to this newsletter by Dr. Grant here.

 

August 5, 2015

60% lower rate of Diabetes

Our latest paper, just published with YOUR Data, shows a full 60% lower rate of incidence of type 2 diabetes with our median serum level of 41 ng/ml vs.the NHANES median of 22 ng/ml.  Read more on this topic, and how you can help by donating to make this publication Open Source – so everyone can access it.  Keywords: Type 2 Diabetes, Scragg

View answers to this newsletter by Dr. Scragg here.

 

July 29, 2015

Ask a Scientist — Daily Dosing

As you read further into this newsletter, you will learn some of the groundbreaking information that came from a couple of our panel scientists last year. Drs Bruce Hollis and Carol Wager published a paper on why dose intervals are important for vitamin D function. Read up on this very important information, and use the link included to ask the scientists your questions about this information.   Keywords: Dosing, Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Hollis

View answers to this newsletter by Dr. Hollis here.

 

July 22, 2015

The Knight of Vitamin D

We have the honor of announcing that one of our panel scientists, Cedric Garland, Dr. PH, FACE, was recently bestowed a Knighthood in the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. Congratulations Dr. Garland!   Keywords: Garland, Cancer, Sunlight, Cancer Map

 

July 15, 2015

Vitamin D for Breast Cancer

This week’s newsletter discusses the latest discoveries in breast cancer and vitamin D research, featuring an interview with Dr. JoEllen Welsh and a breast cancer Call to Action by GrassrootsHealth director and breast cancer survivor, Carole Baggerly.  Keywords: Breast Cancer, Welsh

 

July 8, 2015

Measurement is the key to success

How do you get what you want? MEASURE IT!  This week’s newsletter focuses on measurement – to achieve health goals and, vitamin D goals.  Why is it important to measure vitamin D, what exactly is measured, and what do we learn from measurement?  These questions and more are answered here.   Keywords: Measurement, Variability, Serum Level by Supplement Amount chart

 

July 1, 2015

Rickets is on the rise

News outlets across the globe have been reporting a resurgence of rickets, a disease caused by severe vitamin D deficiency.  So much pain could be avoided and children could start off on the right track, if doctors knew that pregnant mothers need to be vitamin D replete and children need it starting their first few days of life.   Keywords: Rickets, Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, Babies

 

June 24, 2015

Sunlight and Vitamin D: Necessary for Public Health

Humans have adapted to sun exposure over many thousands of years and derive numerous physiological benefits from UV exposure in addition to vitamin D. These benefits cannot be derived from vitamin D intake by supplements, and therefore sun avoidance, the recommendation by the US Surgeon General and others, is unnecessarily putting people at risk.

 

June 17, 2015

D2 vs. D3 – What is the difference?

One of the most frequently asked questions we receive at GrassrootsHealth is “What is the difference between vitamin D2 and vitamin D3?”  This newsletter provides information on how each form is made, why they are used, and which is better (according to the experts).  We also ask you to participate in a quick survey to let us know what more we can focus on for your health.

June 10, 2015

Pregnant women can’t wait!

The health of women during pregnancy determines the future health of her child, and there is evidence that her health affects the next generation as well.  As of today, June 10, 2015, GrassrootsHealth is offering FREE vitamin D blood spot testing for the first 100 pregnant women who enroll in Protect our Children NOW!

 

May 27, 2015

BONES — we’ve all got them!

Vitamin D was first studied to improve bone health and eradicate rickets. Almost every doctor is aware that vitamin D is important for skeletal health. There are thousands of studies that back up this point. But what have we found through our D*action data? Any differences?   Keywords: Falls, Fractures, Calcium, Bones

 

May 20, 2015

Vitamin D and Exercise

As part of the D*action questionnaire, we ask participants to describe their typical physical activity during the past 12 months. In this newsletter we take a look at our D*action data, 7000 members strong, to see… does exercise help vitamin D absorption?   Keywords: Physical Activity, Exercise

 

May 13, 2015

Institutions don’t lead — Individuals DO!

Institutions move with glacial slowness, as Dr. Robert Heaney mentions in the interview featured in this newsletter. So, we need to act now for our own benefit. The good news is that for a single person or a single medical practice, this is relatively easy. Read more for how to create your own change.   Keywords: RDA, Dosing

 

May 6, 2015

Vitamin D and Cancer

The focus of this week’s newsletter is on cancer, which is very near to our heart since cancer was the impetus into our research on vitamin D and the catalyst behind GrassrootsHealth. If you have not heard this story yet, please read the newsletter and view the featured video.

 

April 29, 2015

Can vitamin D help prostate cancer?

This newsletter shares a personal story from a GrassrootsHealth D*action participant about his experience with prostate cancer, as well as an abundance of resources on the topic, and a quick look at highlights from the 2015 Vitamin D Workshop in Delft, the Netherlands.

 

April 22, 2015

Can Vitamin D Fight Disease?

This week we share a personal story about how vitamin D changed a participant’s life, and include additional resources on vitamin D’s disease-fighting capabilities.  Do you have a vitamin D story to share?  Let us know!

 

April 15, 2015

How Much Vitamin D Should I Take?

One of the most common questions we receive is how much vitamin D should I take to get my serum level to the desired range (40-60 ng/ml)? There is no simple answer, no magic bullet, as everyone’s body is different. But here is the information you need, from our D*action data, to help you find a starting point to optimize your vitamin D level.

April 8, 2015

Our Questions – Your Data

This week we want to give you some insight on how GrassrootsHealth collects data through D*action, why we collect the data we do, and how it is used to help move research into practice.

 

April 2, 2015

More controversy regarding the vitamin D RDA

Recently there have been very negative articles in the Toronto Globe and Mail about vitamin D. They are, in part, a reaction to the ad campaign by Pure North S’Energy Foundation, a Canadian non-profit organization trying to convince Health Canada and the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to reconsider the RDA.  Here we include an overview of the latest, and what our scientists have to say.

 

March 25, 2015

Announcing Protect our Children NOW!

The Protect our Children NOW! project launches on April 7th, 2015, to implement vitamin D testing and supplementation of pregnant women as standard of care.  Learn more about this project and its aim to help them achieve a serum level of at least 40 ng/ml to aid in prevention of many comorbidities of pregnancy.

 

March 18, 2015

No U-Shaped Curve

A study was recently published that showed a U-shaped curve with respect to vitamin D serum – meaning that upper levels of vitamin D (50 ng/ml) could be harmful for disease or mortality. Read GrassrootsHealth scientists’ comments and review papers which refute this study.

 

March 11, 2015

Implementing CHANGE

Read about how GrassrootsHealth is implementing CHANGE – through the Protect Our Children NOW! program, launching in South Carolina next month, and through the successful publication of our letter in response to a paper from Paul J. Veugelers, PhD, which showed through statistical analysis, using the data the IOM was given to compute the RDA, that the IOM made an error in their analysis and that the RDA should be 8895 IU/day.

 

March 4, 2015

Success!

To this end, ‘Success,’ we are asking you to please take a few minutes this week to answer a survey about how we can add value to YOU as a participant in this process. We have some great things… what matters most to you?  And, what else would you like to see?

 

February 25, 2015

Controversy or Self-Interest?

This newsletter highlights a recent study that caught our eye for all the wrong reasons.  Read up about that study and decide for yourself whether it could be considered controversy or self-interest.  Also included are interviews with D*action participants, and the importance of getting your follow-up tests.

 

February 18, 2015

What About Vitamin D?

We wrote this newsletter for you to take grassroots action. The information included is meant for someone new to vitamin D. For most on our subscription list this is old news. But our hope is for you to take a moment, open it up, and forward this newsletter to at least 5 people you know. Take D*action now!

 

February 11, 2015

GrassrootsHealth Customer Service

In this newsletter, we welcome Candace Leenheer, our new customer service representative! She started with GrassrootsHealth at the beginning of 2015, so if you have needed help – you have probably communicated with her.  Great to have you join us Candace!

 

February 4, 2015

Announcing New Pregnancy Disease Prevention Chart

Our initial DIP chart has been instrumental as a communication tool in clinics, doctor’s offices, and community centers across the country. This new chart focuses on pregnancy and the child and is a great way to visually share the key research that we have written about in the last few newsletters.

January 28, 2015

Vitamin D Reduces Preterm Birth

GrassrootsHealth collaborated with Dr. Carol Wagner of MUSC and other researchers to publish a new paper that demonstrates 1) maternal vitamin D status closest to delivery date is more significantly associated with preterm birth and 2) participants with a serum 25(OH)D concentration of at least 40 ng/ml in the 3rd trimester had a 47% reduction in preterm birth when compared to those with a concentration less than 40 ng/ml.

 

January 21, 2015

The IOM Got it Wrong! 

Our focus has always been that 20 ng/ml was not sufficient.  It turns out that there’s an even more serious problem: a review of the IOM’s statistical methods shows that they were not correct – 600 IU/day will not get 97.5% of the population to 20 ng/ml. Instead it will only get 50% of the population to that level. More on that, and, an exciting upcoming webinar with the Organic & Natural Health Association.

January 14, 2015

Your Data Your Answers – Occupation and Sunlight

This week we want to share D*action data with respect to how much time participants are regularly in the sun due to their occupation and whether that affects serum level or supplementation habits.

 

January 7, 2015

GrassrootsHealth State of the Union 

Much has happened that has helped structure our organization to meet your needs.  We are pleased to share our ‘state of the union’ letter to start out the New Year.

December 31, 2014

Vitamin D Resolutions

Happy New Year! We would like to hear your New Year’s goals and thus are launching the contest described in this newsletter.  We will be reading each entry, so please enter!

December 24, 2014

The Gift of Prevention

This holiday let’s give the gift of knowledge and prevention!  Here’s how…

December 17, 2014

The Power of Sunshine

At our seminar last week, a new member of our scientist panel, Dr. Alexander Wunsch of Wismar University of Applied Sciences, Germany, gave a talk on “Why the Sun is Necessary for Optimal Health.”  This newsletter summarizes his key points and more on the power of sunshine for our health.

December 10, 2014

Your Data, Your Answers – Latitude

The GrassrootsHealth D*action cohort, comprised of 7,123 members, is spread across 51 different countries. With such a diverse sample population, does location as measured by latitude play a part?

December 3, 2014

Measurement is the Key to Action

MEASUREMENT provides every individual with the information needed to make a logical, informed decision about their health. In this newsletter we discuss how it puts you in charge.

November 26, 2014

Thank you for your support

On the eve of Thanksgiving we would like to take the time to thank you, our participants and followers, for all the work that has been done since we founded GrassrootsHealth in 2007.

November 19, 2014

You Ask Lots of Questions

We cannot answer all of your questions in one newsletter. Instead, we want to tell you how those questions are guiding us, who is along for the ride, and how you can look forward to more answers going forward.

 

November 5, 2014

Vitamin D and Age

In this issue of our newsletter we revisit the D*action cohort for more of Your Data, Your Answers. We analyze the data many different ways and this month we wanted to show you how your vitamin D replete community looks with respect to age.

 

October 29, 2014

Vitamin D Day

As Vitamin D Day (November 2) approaches, we can all do our part to help spread the word about this deficiency epidemic. I hope you all take a moment to review some of the basic facts about vitamin D below and then share the information with others.

 

October 23, 2014 

Vitamin D for Public Health Seminar

This seminar, presented by UC San Diego School of Medicine and GrassrootsHealth, has been developed as an educational opportunity to present and discuss the science of vitamin D and sunshine. The objective of the meeting is to leave with an implementation plan for your group – using vitamin D and sunshine to optimize health.

 

October 15, 2014 

Vitamin D and Gender

In this newsletter we give you a peek at some of the D*action data as it relates to gender. Sometimes the data is surprising and other times, it is what you expect.  Either way, you have to look at it to know.

October 8, 2014 

The Benefits of Sunshine

The sun can help our health when we use its power wisely, and avoiding it can be detrimental. GrassrootsHealth asked some of our panel of experts about sunshine, and compiled some of their responses to share with you.

October 1, 2014 

Prevent Breast Cancer

At GrassrootsHealth, October is Breast Cancer Prevention Month.  We don’t need a special month to beaware.  Let’s change the focus this month – let’s prevent breast cancer.

 

September 24, 2014 

Common D*action Questions 

This newsletter is dedicated to answering common questions regarding D*action, the process, the blood spot kit itself, and Vitamin D health in general.  

 

September 17, 2014 

Taking Vitamin D Out to Your Community 

Take *action!  GrassrootsHealth has developed a platform that will kickstart Protect Our Children NOW! in your community.

 

September 10, 2014 

The Do-It-Yourself Model of Health 

This newsletter is the second in a three-part series about GrassrootsHealth and the results of our crowdfunded D*action project.

September 3, 2014 

Who Cares About Vitamin D?  You Do!

This newsletter is the start of a three-part series on crowdfunding. It has become a wave for startup companies on the Internet, but from our knowledge GrassrootsHealth is the first public health project to be crowdfunded.

August 27, 2014 

Is Daily Dosing Important?

The mainstream medical field thinks of vitamin D only for bone health but we want them to broaden this perspective to include proper cell growth and healing. Dr. Bruce Hollis demonstrates why treatment of vitamin D for these two things are vastly different – how vitamin D is absorbed into the system, used, and then stays in the system to continue to heal.

July 16, 2014 

Diabetes Prevention with Vitamin D

April 1, 2014

New Endorsements, Low April Vitamin D Levels 

February 18, 2014

Vitamin D Controversy 

 

January 11, 2014

News From GrassrootsHealth

Breast Cancer Prevention Month Special! 15% off orders $100 or more + Free Breast Cancer Research eBook & the Free Vitamin D Guide. Use code: BCPMONTH24. Promotion ends Thursday 10/31/24. Offer does not apply to the T1D Prevention Test Kit.

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