Scientists have long known that vitamin D is needed for healthy bones, but the naturally occurring form of the vitamin does not appear to play a direct role in bone formation. Instead, the researchers focused on a lab-modified form of vitamin D called 2MD that stimulates bone growth.

How was 2MD studied?

The researchers looked at the effects of 2MD on a rat model for menopause-related osteoporosis. The female rats in the study had had their ovaries removed and therefore produced no estrogen. The researchers fed some of the rats vegetable oil with 2MD and some vegetable oil alone.

What were the results?

Rats given the new vitamin D analog exhibited a 9 percent increase in total body bone mass. Importantly, vertebrae in the treated rats exhibited a 25 percent increase in bone mass. Frequently, osteoporosis patients exhibit a stooped posture as the bones in the spinal column tend to be among the most affected by osteoporosis.

The compound also added bone mass to the long bones in the limbs of animals used in the study.

According to the researchers, the 2MD compound is also the first vitamin D analog shown to increase bone mass, and that exhibits no apparent toxicity or side effects.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Early Edition 2002; 10.1073 / pnas.202471299

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

There is no question that vitamin D is useful in preventing osteoporosis. However, I am not convinced that any synthetic analog would be superior to the real thing. With winter fast approaching in the northern hemisphere, you will want to make certain that your vitamin D levels are in good shape.

Cod liver oil is one of the best ways to achieve this as you will also get beneficial omega-3 fats that are also helpful for building strong bones.

You will need to be careful about the source of cod liver oil though as many brands use inferior grades of the oil that is rancid. Carlson is one of the better ones out there and I have been using it in my office for over two years. Many of you are not close to a health food store and I am happy to tell you that we will be able to offer this to you in our store in the next month, so you can receive all the benefits of vitamin D and omega-3 that I have been talking about this year.

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