About Dr. Heaney

Robert P. Heaney, BS'47, MD'51, is a clinical endocrinologist specializing in nutrition. Until 2014 he held the John A. Creighton University Professorship. He is world-renowned for providing nearly 50 years of advancements in our understanding of bone biology, osteoporosis, and human calcium and vitamin D physiology.  He is the author of four books and has published over 400 original papers, chapters, monographs, and reviews in scientific and educational fields. At the same time, he has engaged nutritional policy issues and has helped redefine the context for estimating nutrient requirements. Dr. Heaney also currently holds the position of Research Director at GrassrootsHealth.

Some Well Deserved Recognition

On November 10th, in the House of Representatives, Representative Brad Ashford, a democrat from Nebraska's 2nd District, spoke to the House to recognize Dr. Heaney. Here is the text of his speech:

"Mr. Speaker I rise today in honor of Dr. Robert Heaney on the occasion of his 87th birthday. It is an honor to share a birthday, November 10th, with such a distinguished member of our community. Dr. Heaney is a world-renowned researcher in vitamin D deficiency. He is one of the most published researchers in the United States. Dr. Heaney has published over 400 original papers, chapters and reviews on science and education. His accomplishments speak to his perseverance and commitment to innovation in his field.  From 1971 to 1984, the doctor served as Professor Emeritus and Vice-President of Health Sciences for my law school alma mater, Creighton University in Omaha. In addition to his achievements in his own field, he is no stranger to nutrition policy. Dr. Heaney helped re-define nutritional requirements by providing the link between malnutrition and long-term health problems. Most recently he served as research director of GrassrootsHealth, a non-profit organization committed to solving global vitamin D deficiency.  I wish Dr. Heaney a very happy 87th birthday and here's to many more." 
- Representative Brad Ashford, Nebraska's 2nd District

Watch Video

This week we encourage you to take a look at this 20-minute webinar with Dr. Robert Heaney and Carole Baggerly which highlights the importance of testing vitamin D.

Why it is important to measure 25(OH)D

• There is a wide variance of vitamin D serum levels for any given supplement dose. This variance in serum levels is illustrated by highlighting individuals who took 5000 IU/day and had serum levels ranging from 20 ng/ml - 140 ng/ml.
• Whatever criterion of adequacy one may choose, adequacy of repletion can only be ascertained by measurement.

Why is vitamin D important?

• Vitamin D is necessary to help us absorb enough calcium from our diet.
• Vitamin D functions as part of the biochemical apparatus that enables our body systems to respond to routine, ordinary signals and stresses.
• When vitamin D status is inadequate, none of our body systems work at peak efficiency.

Discussion of vitamin D serum levels

• One study showed a 77% reduction in all cancers in participants who took 1100 IU of vitamin D supplements with calcium each day and achieved an average 25(OH)D of 38 ng/ml.
• A tuberculosis trial showed a 100% sputum conversion for those within the treatment group, with an average serum level of 60 ng/ml.
• Another study showed a 50% reduction in neurocognitive deficits in young children, after the pregnant treatment group received vitamin D and had serum levels between 30-60 ng/ml.
• Native African studies have been used to show ancestral levels of vitamin D of approximately 48 ng/ml.
• The Institute of Medicine has pegged 20 ng/ml as the lower end of "normal"; the Endocrine Society recommends 30 ng/ml; most clinical scientists would recommend 40 ng/ml.  The most recent GrassrootsHealth paper about vitamin D and preterm births has 40 ng/ml as an absolute minimum for the health of the child.

Watch Webinar

Do you have a passion for vitamin D? Are you wondering what to give your friends and family this holiday?

You can accomplish both by becoming a D*advocate. We are running a special until the end of this year which is the best offer for home vitamin D tests on the Internet --  for $300 you will receive:

• Six vitamin D test kits
• A letter you can customize for your recipients explaining the power of this gift
• Six  5,000 IU bottles of Bio-Tech Pharmacal vitamin D

This is a retail value of $492, so you are getting over a 40% savings by buying now. If you would like us to ship separately to your friends and family, for $350 GrassrootsHealth will send your packages for you. Take advantage of this offer today!

Become a D*advocate today!