Research shows that a lower blood vitamin D level is associated with metabolic syndrome and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

The study results are currently being presented at the National Lipid Association Annual Scientific Sessions in Miami, Florida and suggest an important role of vitamin D nutrition for maintaining cardiovascular health.

Roger Barnett, Chairman and CEO of Shaklee Corporation says, "Shaklee has a 53 year heritage of conducting scientific research as science continues to be the strategic driver guiding our product development and innovation." The scientific community is advocating higher intake of vitamin D to address the suboptimal vitamin D blood levels found in many Americans. Researchers have linked low vitamin D intakes to osteoporosis or brittle bones, high blood pressure, heart disease, autoimmune diseases and certain cancers.

This cross-sectional study assessed the relationships between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and cardiovascular disease risk markers, including the metabolic syndrome and its components, in 257 men and women, most of whom were attending Shaklee's national conference in New Orleans in August, 2008. Total vitamin D intake and intake of vitamin D from dietary supplements were both strongly associated with serum vitamin D level. High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C or "good cholesterol") concentration increased as vitamin D intakes increased. Each 10 ng/mL increase in serum vitamin D was associated with a 4.2 mg/dL increase in HDL-C and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome decreased significantly as serum vitamin D levels increased.

"Shaklee's heritage has been about improving people's health and well-being and we are proud of supporting this important research. The findings may have significant public health implications related to new understanding about benefits related to vitamin D supplementation," says Dr. Jamie McManus M.D., Chairman of Medical Affairs, Health Sciences and Education, Shaklee Corporation. "Our next study, which is already underway, is intended to confirm causality by showing that vitamin D supplementation improves cardiovascular risk factors."

Kevin C. Maki, PhD, the study's Principal Investigator and the Chief Science Officer of Provident Clinical Research, Glen Ellyn, IL, says, "Results from population studies suggest that a low serum vitamin D concentration is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular mortality, but this is the first study to evaluate the relationship between vitamin D status and cardiovascular risk factors in a group that includes a large number of vitamin D supplement users." He continues, "Additional research is warranted to assess whether increasing vitamin D intake will improve the metabolic cardiovascular risk factor profile."

About Shaklee Corporation
Founded more than 50 years ago, Shaklee has been a leading provider of premium-quality natural nutrition products, personal care products, and environmentally friendly home care products. In 2000, Shaklee became the first company in the world to be Climate Neutral(TM) certified to totally offset its CO2 emissions, resulting in a net-zero impact on the environment. With a robust product portfolio, including over 50 patents and patents pending worldwide, Shaklee has more than 750,000 Members and Distributors worldwide and operates in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, and China. For information about Shaklee, visit Shaklee.com.