HEALTH SOLUTIONS: RECOMMENDED USE: To provide nutritional support for bones and teeth. A factor in the maintenance of good health. Helps in the absorption and use of calcium and phosphorus. DOSAGE FORM: Tablets RECOMMENDATIONS: Adults and children take 1 tablet daily. DESCRIPTION: Each tablet of Quest Vitamin D3 contains 1,000 IU of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). This product contains no artificial preservatives, colours, flavours, or corn, dairy, egg, gluten, shellfish, soy or sulfites. Recommended Daily Allowance: Dosage varies, depending on age. Food Sources: Sunlight is the best source; however, it is found in small amounts in fatty fi sh such as mackerel and salmon. Other sources are eggs from chickens fed vitamin D and milk that has been fortifi ed with vitamin D. Causes of Defi ciency: Inadequate sunshine, poor dietary choices, some medications. Symptoms of Defi ciency: Rickets in children, osteomalacia and osteoporosis in adults, joint pain. Complementary Nutrients: For healthy bones and teeth, vitamin D should be combined with calcium. HOW IT WORKS: Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a dual role as both a vitamin and a hormone. Vitamin D is a great regulator of calcium and phosphorus metabolism. Without vitamin D, the body cannot properly absorb calcium and the bones and teeth become soft and poorly mineralized DID YOU KNOW… Many researchers suggest that there is an epidemic of vitamin D defi ciency among older adults in North America RESEARCH: The efficacy of vitamin D supplementation is borne out by scientific research. In a recent study, 198 children were followed to determine the effect of vitamin D supplementation by their mothers during pregnancy. The researchers found that children whose mothers took vitamin D had significantly larger bones and a higher bone-mineral content in their bodies than children whose mothers did not take the vitamin. In addition, several studies indicate that adequate vitamin D intake may offer protection against cancer of the breast, prostate, colon, and ovaries. SIDE EFFECTS: No side effects expected at recommended dosage. Excess vitamin D (more than 50,000 IU per day) can increase blood levels of calcium, leading to weight loss, nausea, and damage to the heart and kidneys. Too much vitamin D can also cause a weakening of the bones and deposition of calcium in the soft tissues (i.e., muscles). Excess vitamin D can also cause diarrhea or constipation, headache, appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, extreme fatigue, and heartbeat irregularities. INTERACTIONS AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS: Do not use if you are taking anticoagulant drugs, calcium channel blockers, or magnesium-containing antacids. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: Consult a health care practitioner before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Keep out of reach of children.