Vitamin D3, also known as Cholecalciferol, is the form synthesized by your body via cholesterol after sun exposure. While Vitamin D3 is made in the skin, many factors affect the rate at which your body produces it and its bioavailability, including but not limited to; proximity to the equator, time of day, season, sunscreen usage, clothing and skin pigmentation. By some projections, nearly one billion people worldwide are Vitamin D deficient or insufficient. Adequate levels are maintained through photosynthesis and oral supplementation.
Bone Health
Vitamin D’s importance is well established, playing a vital role in bone and dental health. Your body requires a sufficient amount of Vitamin D, in order to absorb calcium efficiently and to prevent the occurrence of high serum parathyroid hormone concentration, which stimulates the transportation of calcium from the bones, thus diminishing bone mass and preventing the development of healthy, strong, new bone. Although, vitamin D is required for optimal bone formation, it is much more effective when calcium intake is adequate.
Additional Benefits of Vitamin D
As the research on vitamin D expands, so does the knowledge of its role in various bodily systems. Recent data links peal serum vitamin D levels to a wide range of health benefits, including but not limited to support of normal cell differentiation, cardiovascular health, normal immune function, bone and dental health, cognitive and healthy mood support, musculoskeletal comfort, and normal fetal development.
D2 vs D3
Vitamin D3 is the form of vitamin D produced by the skin. D2 (Ergocalciferol), is produced by fungi and is used in many supplements and to fortify foods. After formation of vitamin D by the body, it is stored as one of two different metabolites; 25-hydroxyvitamin D (calcidiol) and 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D (calcitriol). The body’s main storage of vitamin D, calcidiol is activated to make calcitriol when needed by the body, thus requiring a healthy liver and kidneys are essential for optimal vitamin D serum levels. Studies have shown that D3 is more effective at raising and maintaining 25OHD levels.
