Why Your Body Needs Vitamin D3?

Vitamin D3 is a crucial nutrient with a vital role in various metabolic functions. It helps the body absorb calcium and maintain healthy bones and teeth. It also supports the immune system, regulates insulin levels, and promotes healthy brain and nervous system function. Vitamin D3 deficiency has been linked to numerous health problems, including osteoporosis, rickets, and increased risk of infections and chronic diseases. While the body can produce vitamin D through exposure to sunlight, dietary sources and supplements are also important sources of this essential sunlight vitamin.

Introduction

Picture this: it is a bright summer day, and you are soaking up the sun's warm rays on your skin. What you may not realise is that your body is working on something else – production of vitamin D3! This essential nutrient is produced by the skin in response to sunlight exposure and plays a vital role in many body functions. From promoting stronger bones and teeth to supporting a healthy immune system, vitamin D3 is a critical nutrient that we can't afford to overlook. Recent studies suggest that low levels of vitamin D3 may increase the risk of several chronic diseases, including heart disease and cancer. So, whether you are basking in the sunshine or getting your daily dose through diet or supplements, don't forget about the power of this mighty nutrient to stay healthy and strong.

Vitamin D3 and Health Benefits

Vitamin D3, also known as 'calciferol,' is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally found in very few foods. Thus, dietary supplements are often needed to make up for its deficiency. Our skin naturally produces it through a process called vitamin D synthesis, which occurs when ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight touch the skin. It then gets processed by the liver and kidneys to the active form which carries out all its functions.1

• Vitamin D3 is an absolute must for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the gut. It promotes normal bone mineralization and prevents hypocalcaemia. Vitamin D3 is also essential for bone growth and remodelling. Its deficiency can lead to thin, brittle, or deformed bones. In children, vitamin D3 in sufficient quantity prevents rickets, while in adults it prevents osteomalacia. Osteomalacia is a condition in adults leading to weak and softened bones. Rickets, on the other hand, is a condition that affects infants and children, characterized by soft bones and skeletal deformities caused by failure of bone tissue to mineralise properly. 
• Furthermore, in combination with calcium, vitamin D3 is vital in protecting older adults from osteoporosis. 
• In addition to its role in promoting healthy bone development, vitamin D3 helps in reducing inflammation and regulating processes such as cell growth, neuromuscular and immune functions, and glucose metabolism.1

The Daily Requirement of Vitamin D3

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) ensures that healthy individuals receive the necessary daily amount to maintain optimal bone health and normal calcium metabolism. This recommendation considers a minimal sun exposure daily to produce vitamin D3.2

For individuals aged 19 and older, the RDA for vitamin D is 600 IU (15 mcg) per day for both men and women. However, for those aged 70 years and above, the RDA is slightly higher at 800 IU (20 mcg) per day.2

Dietary Sources of Vitamin D3

There are only a few foods that are naturally abundant in vitamin D3. The richest sources are the flesh of fatty fish and fish liver oils. Other foods that contain vitamin D3, but in smaller amounts, include egg yolks, cheese, and beef liver.2

Additionally, vitamin D3 can be found in varying quantities in the following foods:

• Cod liver oils
• Salmon
• Fortified dairy and plant-based milk
• Fortified orange juice
• Fortified cereals
• Sardines 
• Tuna fish2

So if you are a strict vegetarian or vegan, Ultra D3 tablets from Vitabiotics can help you get your daily dose of vitamin D3. 

Effects of Vitamin D3 Deficiency

Vitamin D3 deficiency can arise due to various reasons, such as a lack of vitamin D3 in the diet, poor absorption, or an increased metabolic demand. A deficiency may occur if an individual is not getting enough exposure to UV sun rays for an extended period too. Individuals who are unable to consume milk, eggs, and fish or choose not to, such as those following a vegan diet or having lactose intolerance, are also at an increased risk of developing vitamin D3 deficiency.2

Additionally, people who are overweight, suffer from inflammatory bowel disease, or those who might have undergone gastric bypass surgery are at a higher risk of vitamin D3 deficiency. This also includes individuals who have limited sun exposure, live in regions with little sunlight, or have dark skin, as these factors reduce the body's ability to produce vitamin D3 from sunlight. People who have medical conditions that affect the absorption of vitamin D3, such as Crohn's disease or coeliac disease, may also require vitamin D3 supplementation. 2

This is where it is essential to consider adding Ultra D3 tablets in your daily routine. 

Vitamin D3 Supplementation

Supplementation of vitamin D3 may be necessary in certain individuals who are unable to obtain enough of the vitamin through their diet and/or sun exposure. Additionally, older adults and individuals on certain medications that affect bone health may also need supplementation.1

Vitabiotics, the world’s No. 1 multivitamin company offers you a wide range of vitamin D3 supplements. They have a specially designed Ultra D3 range of tablets, drops and syrup for kids. They have four different formulations based on the amount of vitamin D3 available as cholecalciferol. It includes Ultra D3 1000 I.U., 2000 I.U., 4000 I.U., and 10000 I.U. Among these formulations, for infants we have drops with vitamin D3 400 I.U and 800 I.U.

The Ultra D3 range of supplements by Vitabiotics is for anyone who is at risk or is proven to be vitamin D3 deficient. Consuming Ultra D3 tablets by Vitabiotics helps in building stronger bones and teeth, enhances immunity and resistance against infection, and reduces stress, fatigue, and muscle pain. 

Begin your journey towards stronger bones and immunity with Vitabiotics’ Ultra D3 range. Visit Vitabiotics.in and order your first pack today!

References:

1. Office of dietary supplements - vitamin D [Internet]. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; [cited 2023 May 8]. Available from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/ 
2. Vitamin D [Internet]. The Nutrition Source. 2023 [cited 2023 May 8]. Available from: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-d/