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What You Need To Know About Vitamin D3

What You Need To Know About Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)

Vitamin D3, or Calcitriol is a steroid hormone that is known for its vital role in regulating body levels of phosphorus and calcium and in the mineralization of bone. In the recent past, it has become clear that this hormone has biological effects that go far beyond the control of mineral metabolism and that vitamin D receptors are present in a wide range of cells.

What Are The Uses Of Vitamin D3?

Bone Health: Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus from the food you eat. Nutrients are therefore important for people with osteoporosis. According to the studies, calcium and vitamin D together build stronger bones in women and also help with other disorders that cause weak bones, such as rickets.

Cardiovascular Support: A little sunlight and Vitamin D3 can help restore damage to the cardiovascular system caused by diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.

Cellular Health: Immune cells that fight viruses and cancer are examples of cells that function better when exposed to vitamin D. In fact, vitamin D helps to keep all areas of the body healthy. It is associated with lowering blood sugar levels in diabetes and improving chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations.

What Are The Benefits Of Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3 provides multiple benefits to the body. Some of these include:

  • Promotes healthy bones and teeth.
  • Helps promote the health of the immune system, brain, and nervous systems.
  • Regulates insulin levels and promotes diabetes management.
  • Supports pulmonary function and cardiovascular health.
  • Influences the expression of genes that are involved in the development of cancer.

What Is The Source?

Sources that provide vitamin D3 include:

Foods: Very few foods naturally supply vitamin D. Foods like cheese, egg yolks, fatty fish, and beef liver that contain small amounts of D3, are the best dietary sources of D3. Cod liver oil is considered a traditional potent source of D3, although the taste might be a turnoff. Orange juice and fortified milk also contain vitamin D.

Prescription and over-the-counter supplements can increase your vitamin D3 intake. The amount of vitamin D needed for good health is a matter of intense debate, and you need to ask your doctor about the dose of supplemental vitamin D3.

Spending time in sunlight is one of the most effective ways to boost your D3 levels. Spending at least 5 to 30 minutes in direct sunlight with your face, arms, back, and legs exposed. In summer, autumn, and spring, you can synthesize enough vitamin D3 to fit your needs.

What Are Warnings And Precautions For Vitamin D3?

Tell your primary care physician or pharmacist if you have any other allergies or if you are allergic to vitamin D or other vitamin D products (such as calcitriol). Vitamin products, such as peanuts or soy, contain inactive ingredients that could cause allergic reactions or other problems. In rare cases, taking a supplement that contains too much vitamin D can also be toxic. It may lead to a condition in which too much calcium builds up in the blood, potentially forming deposits in the arteries or soft tissues. Women may also be predisposed to painful kidney stones. To avoid any kind of infection please contact the nearest preventative care physician in your area.

– Disclaimer –

This blog is for informational & educational purposes only, and does not intend to substitute any professional medical advice or consultation. For any health related concerns, please consult with your physician, or call 911.

Medically Reviewed

Last reviewed by Dr. Syra Hanif, M.D. on 09/10/2020

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  • About The Author

    Dr. Syra Hanif M.D.

    Board Certified Primary Care Physician

Dr. Syra Hanif is a board-certified Primary Care Physician (PCP) dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered healthcare.

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