D3 Recently there has been much written about the value of Vitamin D supplementation since researchers have noted that vitamin D deficiency is widespread. So recently many people have called me, confused about what form of Vitamin D to take.
There are three different forms of vitamin D found in the body; cholecalciferol, calcidiol, and calcitriol. Cholecalciferol, or vitamin D3, is the only natural form of vitamin D because it is produced in the skin from exposure to sunlight. Calcidiol, or 25-hydroxyvitamin D, is produced from vitamin D3 and is the form of vitamin D found in the bloodstream. Calcitriol, or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, is produced from calcidiol and is a potent steroid hormone. Calcitriol is the active form of vitamin D and has a significant role in health maintenance and disease prevention.
Vitamin D can be ingested in two forms: D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol).
D2 (ergocalciferol) is present in plant sources. D2 is our primary dietary source of vitamin D and is the form used in vitamin D-fortified milk and cereal products.
D3 (cholecalciferol) is the form our body synthesizes when skin is exposed to sunlight. Both forms are converted to active vitamin D by the body.
The best supplemental form of vitamin D is vitamin D3 and the body is very efficient at converting D3 into usable forms of vitamin D in the body. Studies have determined that vitamin D3 is about three times more potent than vitamin D2 in the conversion process.
Vitamin D3 is also three times more effective in raising 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in the bloodstream and D3 maintains these elevated levels for a longer period compared to vitamin D2.
Supplemental vitamin D3 has also been shown to reduce mortality risk whereas D2 has shown no benefit to mortality risk.
Although the recommended daily intake of vitamin D is 400 international units (IU), these levels are not considered adequate to prevent or treat vitamin D deficiency. They are only adequate to prevent metabolic bone diseases. Vitamin D3 dosages of 1,000-2,000 IU are generally recommended for optimal health and even higher dosages of 2,000-7,000 units have been deemed sufficient to maintain 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels within normal ranges (Cannell, 2008).
Just some of the benefits of Natural Vitamin D3 ~
* It helps to soothe inflammation that causes you problems with your joints and increases your risk of heart and brain disease.
* According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, Vitamin D3 also…
~ Protects your cells from damage.
~ Is an energizer to your immune system which helps your body to fight off infections.
~ Helps to Stop Bone Loss and Strengthen your Bones.
In March 2005, The New England Journal of Medicine wrote that about 430,000 heart victims per year are killed by inflammation that could be extinguished with Vitamin D3.
**Remember that Vitamin D3 is both a vitamin and a hormone ~ always check with your doctor before beginning supplementation. It is very important that your Doctor check your blood levels before you begin supplementation and also to check blood levels periodically.
” The happiest is the person who suffers the least pain;
the most miserable who enjoys the least pleasure.”
~ Jean-Jacques Rousseau