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Methyl Sulfonyl Methane (MSM)

Occurring naturally in many plants and present in small amounts in raw fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds and beverages, Methyl Sulfonyl Methane (MSM)  is used by the body to make important enzymes, antibodies, glutathione and connective tissues.

Methyl Sulfonyl Methane (MSM) is considered by many to be an effective treatment for arthritis and is often combined with Glucosamine as they work well together to reduce pain, stiffness and tenderness in joints. This is because it has been shown to improve the flexibility of cell walls and helps to detoxify the body.

MSM also promotes the promotion of collagen and is therefore important for wound healing.

Many Athletes also take MSM to overcome lactic acid build-up in muscle with many users also reporting a positive effect on energy levels.

MSM is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body; it’s a form of sulphur and is an odourless powder that produces all the benefits associated with other forms of sulphur, without the unpleasant side-effects, such as unpleasant body odour or flatulence.

Methyl Sulfonyl Methane (MSM) plays an important role in repairing and maintaining epithelial tissue that is found in lungs, nasal passages, skin and the lining of the digestive tract.

Also, though generally a desired effect, MSM may cause hair and fingernails to grow at a faster rate.

Due to it’s ability to promote healthy hair, skin and nails, Methyl Sulfonyl Methane (MSM) is becoming increasingly popular as a beauty supplement . It is able to do this as it provides the sulphur required for healthy collagen and keratin, which is imperative for healthy hair, skin and nails.

Some people even refer to Methyl Sulfonyl Methane (MSM)as the “miracle supplement” since it appears to have the ability to help with of a lot of conditions. It is consumed due to its high nutrient levels and its ability to relieve pain, stress, and improve immunity and much more.

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New Post has been published on Free Range Distribution

New Post has been published on https://www.freerangedistribution.co.uk/product/methyl-sulfonyl-methane-msm/

Methyl Sulfonyl Methane (MSM)

Occurring naturally in many plants and present in small amounts in raw fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds and beverages, Methyl Sulfonyl Methane (MSM)  is used by the body to make important enzymes, antibodies, glutathione and connective tissues.

Methyl Sulfonyl Methane (MSM) is considered by many to be an effective treatment for arthritis and is often combined with Glucosamine as they work well together to reduce pain, stiffness and tenderness in joints. This is because it has been shown to improve the flexibility of cell walls and helps to detoxify the body.

MSM also promotes the promotion of collagen and is therefore important for wound healing.

Many Athletes also take MSM to overcome lactic acid build-up in muscle with many users also reporting a positive effect on energy levels.

MSM is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body; it’s a form of sulphur and is an odourless powder that produces all the benefits associated with other forms of sulphur, without the unpleasant side-effects, such as unpleasant body odour or flatulence.

Methyl Sulfonyl Methane (MSM) plays an important role in repairing and maintaining epithelial tissue that is found in lungs, nasal passages, skin and the lining of the digestive tract.

Also, though generally a desired effect, MSM may cause hair and fingernails to grow at a faster rate.

Due to it’s ability to promote healthy hair, skin and nails, Methyl Sulfonyl Methane (MSM) is becoming increasingly popular as a beauty supplement . It is able to do this as it provides the sulphur required for healthy collagen and keratin, which is imperative for healthy hair, skin and nails.

Some people even refer to Methyl Sulfonyl Methane (MSM)as the “miracle supplement” since it appears to have the ability to help with of a lot of conditions. It is consumed due to its high nutrient levels and its ability to relieve pain, stress, and improve immunity and much more.

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New Post has been published on Free Range Distribution

New Post has been published on https://www.freerangedistribution.co.uk/product/chicory-root/

Chicory Root

Inulin is sourced from Chicory Root and is a class of dietary fibres known as fructans or fructooligosaccharide and is used by some plants as a means of storing energy

Typically found in roots or rhizomes; most plants that synthesise and store it do not store other forms of carbohydrate such as starch.

Using inulin to measure kidney function is the “gold standard” for comparison with other means of estimating creatinine clearance.

Inulin is a fructooligosaccharide that acts as a prebiotic, so it stimulates the healthy growth of friendly intestinal bacteria, which supports good colon health.

As a dietary supplement it has been shown to slow digestion, specifically the digestion of carbohydrates.

This may allow sugar to be released more slowly with less of a ‘spike’ which in turn may promote healthy blood sugar levels.

As a dietary supplement it adds bulk to your stool and can improve the frequency of your bowel movements.

However, as digestion rate is reduced your body is able to better absorb nutrients from the food you eat.

This Inulin is  Beneo Orafti® so you can be assured of the highest quality product.

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New Post has been published on Free Range Distribution

New Post has been published on https://www.freerangedistribution.co.uk/product/chicory-root/

Chicory Root

Inulin is sourced from Chicory Root and is a class of dietary fibres known as fructans or fructooligosaccharide and is used by some plants as a means of storing energy

Typically found in roots or rhizomes; most plants that synthesise and store it do not store other forms of carbohydrate such as starch.

Using inulin to measure kidney function is the “gold standard” for comparison with other means of estimating creatinine clearance.

Inulin is a fructooligosaccharide that acts as a prebiotic, so it stimulates the healthy growth of friendly intestinal bacteria, which supports good colon health.

As a dietary supplement it has been shown to slow digestion, specifically the digestion of carbohydrates.

This may allow sugar to be released more slowly with less of a ‘spike’ which in turn may promote healthy blood sugar levels.

As a dietary supplement it adds bulk to your stool and can improve the frequency of your bowel movements.

However, as digestion rate is reduced your body is able to better absorb nutrients from the food you eat.

This Inulin is  Beneo Orafti® so you can be assured of the highest quality product.

[freerangedistribution]

New Post has been published on Free Range Distribution

New Post has been published on https://www.freerangedistribution.co.uk/product/chicory-root/

Chicory Root

Inulin is sourced from Chicory Root and is a class of dietary fibres known as fructans or fructooligosaccharide and is used by some plants as a means of storing energy

Typically found in roots or rhizomes; most plants that synthesise and store it do not store other forms of carbohydrate such as starch.

Using inulin to measure kidney function is the “gold standard” for comparison with other means of estimating creatinine clearance.

Inulin is a fructooligosaccharide that acts as a prebiotic, so it stimulates the healthy growth of friendly intestinal bacteria, which supports good colon health.

As a dietary supplement it has been shown to slow digestion, specifically the digestion of carbohydrates.

This may allow sugar to be released more slowly with less of a ‘spike’ which in turn may promote healthy blood sugar levels.

As a dietary supplement it adds bulk to your stool and can improve the frequency of your bowel movements.

However, as digestion rate is reduced your body is able to better absorb nutrients from the food you eat.

This Inulin is  Beneo Orafti® so you can be assured of the highest quality product.

[freerangedistribution]

Inulin

Inulin is sourced from Chicory Root and is a class of dietary fibres known as fructans or fructooligosaccharide and is used by some plants as a means of storing energy Typically found in roots or rhizomes; most plants that synthesise and store it do not store other forms of carbohydrate such as starch. Using inulin to measure kidney function is the “gold standard” for comparison with other means…

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New Post has been published on Free Range Distribution

New Post has been published on https://www.freerangedistribution.co.uk/product/inulin/

Inulin

Inulin is sourced from Chicory Root and is a class of dietary fibres known as fructans or fructooligosaccharide and is used by some plants as a means of storing energy

Typically found in roots or rhizomes; most plants that synthesise and store it do not store other forms of carbohydrate such as starch.

Using inulin to measure kidney function is the “gold standard” for comparison with other means of estimating creatinine clearance.

Inulin is a fructooligosaccharide that acts as a prebiotic, so it stimulates the healthy growth of friendly intestinal bacteria, which supports good colon health.

As a dietary supplement it has been shown to slow digestion, specifically the digestion of carbohydrates.

This may allow sugar to be released more slowly with less of a ‘spike’ which in turn may promote healthy blood sugar levels.

As a dietary supplement it adds bulk to your stool and can improve the frequency of your bowel movements.

However, as digestion rate is reduced your body is able to better absorb nutrients from the food you eat.

This Inulin is  Beneo Orafti® so you can be assured of the highest quality product.

[freerangedistribution]

New Post has been published on Free Range Distribution

New Post has been published on https://www.freerangedistribution.co.uk/product/inulin/

Inulin

Inulin is sourced from Chicory Root and is a class of dietary fibres known as fructans or fructooligosaccharide and is used by some plants as a means of storing energy

Typically found in roots or rhizomes; most plants that synthesise and store it do not store other forms of carbohydrate such as starch.

Using inulin to measure kidney function is the “gold standard” for comparison with other means of estimating creatinine clearance.

Inulin is a fructooligosaccharide that acts as a prebiotic, so it stimulates the healthy growth of friendly intestinal bacteria, which supports good colon health.

As a dietary supplement it has been shown to slow digestion, specifically the digestion of carbohydrates.

This may allow sugar to be released more slowly with less of a ‘spike’ which in turn may promote healthy blood sugar levels.

As a dietary supplement it adds bulk to your stool and can improve the frequency of your bowel movements.

However, as digestion rate is reduced your body is able to better absorb nutrients from the food you eat.

This Inulin is  Beneo Orafti® so you can be assured of the highest quality product.

[freerangedistribution]

New Post has been published on Free Range Distribution

New Post has been published on https://www.freerangedistribution.co.uk/product/inulin/

Inulin

Inulin is sourced from Chicory Root and is a class of dietary fibres known as fructans or fructooligosaccharide and is used by some plants as a means of storing energy

Typically found in roots or rhizomes; most plants that synthesise and store it do not store other forms of carbohydrate such as starch.

Using inulin to measure kidney function is the “gold standard” for comparison with other means of estimating creatinine clearance.

Inulin is a fructooligosaccharide that acts as a prebiotic, so it stimulates the healthy growth of friendly intestinal bacteria, which supports good colon health.

As a dietary supplement it has been shown to slow digestion, specifically the digestion of carbohydrates.

This may allow sugar to be released more slowly with less of a ‘spike’ which in turn may promote healthy blood sugar levels.

As a dietary supplement it adds bulk to your stool and can improve the frequency of your bowel movements.

However, as digestion rate is reduced your body is able to better absorb nutrients from the food you eat.

This Inulin is  Beneo Orafti® so you can be assured of the highest quality product.

[freerangedistribution]

New Post has been published on Free Range Distribution

New Post has been published on https://www.freerangedistribution.co.uk/product/inulin/

Inulin

Inulin is sourced from Chicory Root and is a class of dietary fibres known as fructans or fructooligosaccharide and is used by some plants as a means of storing energy

Typically found in roots or rhizomes; most plants that synthesise and store it do not store other forms of carbohydrate such as starch.

Using inulin to measure kidney function is the “gold standard” for comparison with other means of estimating creatinine clearance.

Inulin is a fructooligosaccharide that acts as a prebiotic, so it stimulates the healthy growth of friendly intestinal bacteria, which supports good colon health.

As a dietary supplement it has been shown to slow digestion, specifically the digestion of carbohydrates.

This may allow sugar to be released more slowly with less of a ‘spike’ which in turn may promote healthy blood sugar levels.

As a dietary supplement it adds bulk to your stool and can improve the frequency of your bowel movements.

However, as digestion rate is reduced your body is able to better absorb nutrients from the food you eat.

This Inulin is  Beneo Orafti® so you can be assured of the highest quality product.

[freerangedistribution]

Could Psyllium Husk be a New Appetite Suppressant?

A new study highlight how Psyllium Husk  – a soluble, gel-forming, non-fermented fiber supplement – may help consumers stay fuller for longer, and help support weight loss diets. Consuming 6.8 grams of Psyllium Husk before breakfast and lunch for three days resulted in significantly lower scores on the VAS Desire to Eat Scale and the VAS Hunger Scale post-breakfast and post-lunch. The researchers…

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New Post has been published on Free Range Distribution

New Post has been published on https://www.freerangedistribution.co.uk/psyllium-husk-new-appetite-suppressant/

Could Psyllium Husk be a New Appetite Suppressant?

A new study highlight how Psyllium Husk  – a soluble, gel-forming, non-fermented fiber supplement – may help consumers stay fuller for longer, and help support weight loss diets.

Consuming 6.8 grams of Psyllium Husk before breakfast and lunch for three days resulted in significantly lower scores on the VAS Desire to Eat Scale and the VAS Hunger Scale post-breakfast and post-lunch.

The researchers proposed that “It is reasonable to hypothesize that the effect of dietary Psyllium fiber supplementation on satiety might be useful in weight management,”.

However, the mechanisms involved in the control of body weight is very complex and involves far more variables than just satiety; Psyllium Husk would need to be demonstrated through randomised trials addressing specifically the endpoint of weight loss.

This is something that the researchers addressed by saying that “The findings of the studies in this report indicate that Psyllium has a satiety effect but further investigation is necessary to determine its clinical relevance as a tool to promote decreased energy intake and weight control.”Study details

Scientists from  the University of Colorado, and Purdue University performed two studies: The first one was to determine an optimal dose, and they performed a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study using 3.4 g, 6.8 g, and 10.2 g of Psyllium Husk. Participants consumed these doses before breakfast and lunch for 3 days.

The first study indicated that greater reductions in in hunger and desire to eat were obtained for the two higher doses, compared to the 3.4 gram dose, but there were no differences between the 6.8 and 10.2 doses.

A second study used the 6.8 gram determined in the first study. Participants consumed the Psyllium Husk dose before breakfast and lunch for two days, and then only before breakfast on the third day. The breakfast had lower calorie levels (energy restricted) than observed in the first study.

Results of the second study indicated that satiety measures were similarly to the first study, despite having an energy restricted breakfast. “Dietary fiber affects satiety in many ways, depending on the fiber type, and relating to its ability to bulk foods, increase viscosity, gel in the stomach and ferment in the gut,” explained the researchers.

Psyllium Husk is a soluble viscous fiber that has the ability to gel in the stomach; both aspects are important for its’ efficacy in ‘real life’ situations.

“Gel-forming fibers (such as psyllium) may influence satiety by several mechanisms, including delayed degradation and absorption of nutrients in the small bowel, leading to a ‘sustained’ delivery of nutrients; and delivery of nutrients to the distal ileum with subsequent stimulation of feedback mechanisms like the ‘ileal brake’ phenomenon (slows gastric emptying and small bowel transit) and decreased appetite. These proposed mechanisms involve the participation of gut hormones and the central nervous system favoring higher sensations of satiety.”

The researchers also considered potential adverse events among the participants, and found that most were mild gastrointestinal symptoms and were similar between Psyllium groups and placebo.

Source: Appetite, Volume 105, Pages 27–36, 2016. “Satiety effects of psyllium in healthy volunteers” Authors: J.M. Brum, et al.

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New Post has been published on Free Range Distribution

New Post has been published on https://www.freerangedistribution.co.uk/psyllium-husk-new-appetite-suppressant/

Could Psyllium Husk be a New Appetite Suppressant?

A new study highlight how Psyllium Husk  – a soluble, gel-forming, non-fermented fiber supplement – may help consumers stay fuller for longer, and help support weight loss diets.

Consuming 6.8 grams of Psyllium Husk before breakfast and lunch for three days resulted in significantly lower scores on the VAS Desire to Eat Scale and the VAS Hunger Scale post-breakfast and post-lunch.

The researchers proposed that “It is reasonable to hypothesize that the effect of dietary Psyllium fiber supplementation on satiety might be useful in weight management,”.

However, the mechanisms involved in the control of body weight is very complex and involves far more variables than just satiety; Psyllium Husk would need to be demonstrated through randomised trials addressing specifically the endpoint of weight loss.

This is something that the researchers addressed by saying that “The findings of the studies in this report indicate that Psyllium has a satiety effect but further investigation is necessary to determine its clinical relevance as a tool to promote decreased energy intake and weight control.”Study details

Scientists from  the University of Colorado, and Purdue University performed two studies: The first one was to determine an optimal dose, and they performed a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study using 3.4 g, 6.8 g, and 10.2 g of Psyllium Husk. Participants consumed these doses before breakfast and lunch for 3 days.

The first study indicated that greater reductions in in hunger and desire to eat were obtained for the two higher doses, compared to the 3.4 gram dose, but there were no differences between the 6.8 and 10.2 doses.

A second study used the 6.8 gram determined in the first study. Participants consumed the Psyllium Husk dose before breakfast and lunch for two days, and then only before breakfast on the third day. The breakfast had lower calorie levels (energy restricted) than observed in the first study.

Results of the second study indicated that satiety measures were similarly to the first study, despite having an energy restricted breakfast. “Dietary fiber affects satiety in many ways, depending on the fiber type, and relating to its ability to bulk foods, increase viscosity, gel in the stomach and ferment in the gut,” explained the researchers.

Psyllium Husk is a soluble viscous fiber that has the ability to gel in the stomach; both aspects are important for its’ efficacy in ‘real life’ situations.

“Gel-forming fibers (such as psyllium) may influence satiety by several mechanisms, including delayed degradation and absorption of nutrients in the small bowel, leading to a ‘sustained’ delivery of nutrients; and delivery of nutrients to the distal ileum with subsequent stimulation of feedback mechanisms like the ‘ileal brake’ phenomenon (slows gastric emptying and small bowel transit) and decreased appetite. These proposed mechanisms involve the participation of gut hormones and the central nervous system favoring higher sensations of satiety.”

The researchers also considered potential adverse events among the participants, and found that most were mild gastrointestinal symptoms and were similar between Psyllium groups and placebo.

Source: Appetite, Volume 105, Pages 27–36, 2016. “Satiety effects of psyllium in healthy volunteers” Authors: J.M. Brum, et al.

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New Post has been published on Free Range Distribution

New Post has been published on http://www.freerangedistribution.co.uk/psyllium-husk-new-appetite-suppressant/

Could Psyllium Husk be a New Appetite Suppressant?

A new study highlight how Psyllium Husk  – a soluble, gel-forming, non-fermented fiber supplement – may help consumers stay fuller for longer, and help support weight loss diets.

Consuming 6.8 grams of Psyllium Husk before breakfast and lunch for three days resulted in significantly lower scores on the VAS Desire to Eat Scale and the VAS Hunger Scale post-breakfast and post-lunch.

The researchers proposed that “It is reasonable to hypothesize that the effect of dietary Psyllium fiber supplementation on satiety might be useful in weight management,”.

However, the mechanisms involved in the control of body weight is very complex and involves far more variables than just satiety; Psyllium Husk would need to be demonstrated through randomised trials addressing specifically the endpoint of weight loss.

This is something that the researchers addressed by saying that “The findings of the studies in this report indicate that Psyllium has a satiety effect but further investigation is necessary to determine its clinical relevance as a tool to promote decreased energy intake and weight control.”Study details

Scientists from  the University of Colorado, and Purdue University performed two studies: The first one was to determine an optimal dose, and they performed a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study using 3.4 g, 6.8 g, and 10.2 g of Psyllium Husk. Participants consumed these doses before breakfast and lunch for 3 days.

The first study indicated that greater reductions in in hunger and desire to eat were obtained for the two higher doses, compared to the 3.4 gram dose, but there were no differences between the 6.8 and 10.2 doses.

A second study used the 6.8 gram determined in the first study. Participants consumed the Psyllium Husk dose before breakfast and lunch for two days, and then only before breakfast on the third day. The breakfast had lower calorie levels (energy restricted) than observed in the first study.

Results of the second study indicated that satiety measures were similarly to the first study, despite having an energy restricted breakfast. “Dietary fiber affects satiety in many ways, depending on the fiber type, and relating to its ability to bulk foods, increase viscosity, gel in the stomach and ferment in the gut,” explained the researchers.

Psyllium Husk is a soluble viscous fiber that has the ability to gel in the stomach; both aspects are important for its’ efficacy in ‘real life’ situations.

“Gel-forming fibers (such as psyllium) may influence satiety by several mechanisms, including delayed degradation and absorption of nutrients in the small bowel, leading to a ‘sustained’ delivery of nutrients; and delivery of nutrients to the distal ileum with subsequent stimulation of feedback mechanisms like the ‘ileal brake’ phenomenon (slows gastric emptying and small bowel transit) and decreased appetite. These proposed mechanisms involve the participation of gut hormones and the central nervous system favoring higher sensations of satiety.”

The researchers also considered potential adverse events among the participants, and found that most were mild gastrointestinal symptoms and were similar between Psyllium groups and placebo.

Source: Appetite, Volume 105, Pages 27–36, 2016. “Satiety effects of psyllium in healthy volunteers” Authors: J.M. Brum, et al.

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Vitamin D3 Supplementation and Gut Health

Vitamin D3 Supplementation and Gut Health

According to a new Austrian study, Vitamin D3 may increase bacterial richness in the upper gastrointestinal tract and reduce opportunistic pathogens. Scientists from the Medical University of Graz have reported that high daily doses of Vitamin D3 for five weeks led to significant reductions in bacteria such as Pseudomonas and Escherichia/Shigella The researchers state that “The marked reduction…

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New Post has been published on Free Range Distribution

New Post has been published on https://www.freerangedistribution.co.uk/vitamin-d3-supplementation-gut-health/

Vitamin D3 Supplementation and Gut Health

According to a new Austrian study, Vitamin D3 may increase bacterial richness in the upper gastrointestinal tract and reduce opportunistic pathogens.

Scientists from the Medical University of Graz have reported that high daily doses of Vitamin D3 for five weeks led to significant reductions in bacteria such as Pseudomonas and Escherichia/Shigella

The researchers state that “The marked reduction in Gammaproteobacteria, which include typical opportunistic pathogens and the increase in phylotype richness, supports the beneficial effect of a high-dose Vitamin D3 supplementation on the human gut microbiome…. This might in part explain the effects of a Vitamin D-rich diet on IBD or bacterial infections and encourage studying the effects of vitamin D in these patients.”

16 healthy people were recruited to participate in their open-label, pilot study. Participants had their GI tracts sampled at four different places, starting with the stomach and ending with a stool sample, before and after receiving high dose Vitamin D3 for eight weeks. The dose for the first four weeks was 980 IU/kg bodyweight of Vitamin D3 per week, and the dose for the second four weeks was 490 IU/kg bodyweight per week.

Results showed that the gut microbiome in the upper GI tract was changed as a result of D3 supplementation.

The Vitamin D3 supplements were also associated with significantly higher number of CD8+ T immune cells in the upper GI tract, which may have driven the decrease in Gammaproteobacteria observed, said the researchers, stating that:

“CD8+ T cells have the highest expression level of Vitamin D receptors compared with other immune cells, which suggests that CD8+ T cell function is also regulated by vitamin D.”

“Calcitriol (also known as 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), the hormonally active metabolite of Vitamin D) influences cytokine production in human CD8+ T cells and is known to act as a stop signal in inflammatory processes. CD8+ T cells are also capable of directly destroying harmed or infected host cells, thus lowering the number of proinflammatory cells.

“Reducing such an inflammatory environment by VitD3 could diminish the competitive advantage of opportunistic pathogens, such as Escherichia/Shigella or Pseudomonas which are evolutionary better adapted to inflammation and can out-compete commensal bacteria.

In return, a low inflammatory environment allows beneficial bacteria such as Bacteroidetes to outcompete opportunistic pathogens, resulting in increased phylotype richness which we found in this study.”

Source: European Journal of Nutrition, June 2016, Volume 55, Issue 4, pp 1479-1489,“Effects of high doses of Vitamin D3 on mucosa-associated gut microbiome vary between regions of the human gastrointestinal tract”

Authors: M. Bashir, et al.

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New Post has been published on Free Range Distribution

New Post has been published on https://www.freerangedistribution.co.uk/vitamin-d3-supplementation-gut-health/

Vitamin D3 Supplementation and Gut Health

According to a new Austrian study, Vitamin D3 may increase bacterial richness in the upper gastrointestinal tract and reduce opportunistic pathogens.

Scientists from the Medical University of Graz have reported that high daily doses of Vitamin D3 for five weeks led to significant reductions in bacteria such as Pseudomonas and Escherichia/Shigella

The researchers state that “The marked reduction in Gammaproteobacteria, which include typical opportunistic pathogens and the increase in phylotype richness, supports the beneficial effect of a high-dose Vitamin D3 supplementation on the human gut microbiome…. This might in part explain the effects of a Vitamin D-rich diet on IBD or bacterial infections and encourage studying the effects of vitamin D in these patients.”

16 healthy people were recruited to participate in their open-label, pilot study. Participants had their GI tracts sampled at four different places, starting with the stomach and ending with a stool sample, before and after receiving high dose Vitamin D3 for eight weeks. The dose for the first four weeks was 980 IU/kg bodyweight of Vitamin D3 per week, and the dose for the second four weeks was 490 IU/kg bodyweight per week.

Results showed that the gut microbiome in the upper GI tract was changed as a result of D3 supplementation.

The Vitamin D3 supplements were also associated with significantly higher number of CD8+ T immune cells in the upper GI tract, which may have driven the decrease in Gammaproteobacteria observed, said the researchers, stating that:

“CD8+ T cells have the highest expression level of Vitamin D receptors compared with other immune cells, which suggests that CD8+ T cell function is also regulated by vitamin D.”

“Calcitriol (also known as 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), the hormonally active metabolite of Vitamin D) influences cytokine production in human CD8+ T cells and is known to act as a stop signal in inflammatory processes. CD8+ T cells are also capable of directly destroying harmed or infected host cells, thus lowering the number of proinflammatory cells.

“Reducing such an inflammatory environment by VitD3 could diminish the competitive advantage of opportunistic pathogens, such as Escherichia/Shigella or Pseudomonas which are evolutionary better adapted to inflammation and can out-compete commensal bacteria.

In return, a low inflammatory environment allows beneficial bacteria such as Bacteroidetes to outcompete opportunistic pathogens, resulting in increased phylotype richness which we found in this study.”

Source: European Journal of Nutrition, June 2016, Volume 55, Issue 4, pp 1479-1489,“Effects of high doses of Vitamin D3 on mucosa-associated gut microbiome vary between regions of the human gastrointestinal tract”

Authors: M. Bashir, et al.