Power of Vitamin D3: Unveiling the Benefits

Introduction

Vitamin D is the sunshine vitamin because it is produced in the human body when exposed to the sun's ultraviolet-B rays (UVB rays). We get vitamin D from dietary sources as well. When there is an insufficiency of vitamin D in the human body, one has to take supplements. Vitamin D (calciferol) exists in two major supplement forms, vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Vitamin D2 is produced in plants and fungi, whereas vitamin D3 is produced in humans and animals.

Why Choose Vitamin D3?

Various studies have proven that vitamin D3 supplement is the preferred source of vitamin D. Vitamin D3 is superior as:

• The human body can produce it.

• A better proportion of vitamins enters the bloodstream (bioavailability).

• It stays longer in the human body.

• It can raise vitamin D levels 87 percent more than vitamin D2 can.

Benefits of Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3 benefits in:

• Prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency.

• Calcium deficiency.

• Bone health - osteomalacia (softening of the bone), osteoporosis (weak and brittle bone).

• Treatment of diseases (for example, rickets).

• Conditions like hypoparathyroidism (low levels of parathyroid hormone).

• Support of the immune system.

• Enhancing muscle strength.

• Dental health in young children.

• Blood pressure - Studies have shown that vitamin D3 supplements may help reduce blood pressure.

• Osteoporosis - a condition where the bone becomes weak and brittle, was shown to improve in individuals when vitamin D3 was given.

• Cancer - As reported in many studies, there was no significant difference in cancer incidence on taking vitamin D3 supplements. However, a recent study showed that vitamin D3 supplementation reduced the risk of advanced (metastasis or fatal) cancer. (Further studies are in progress to confirm the same).

What Are the Symptoms of Vitamin D3 Deficiency?

Vitamin D3 deficiency often goes unnoticed because the individual may relate the symptom to some other possible disease or not find it relevant to be a deficiency or illness. Some of the symptoms are as follows:

1. In Adults:

• General tiredness and weakness.

• Muscle aches- difficulty climbing stairs.

• Bone and joint aches- lower back, hips, and feet.

2. In Children:

• Irritability.

• Muscle pain and joint pain.

• Delayed tooth eruption as tooth development was affected.

• Prone to infections.

• In children, a high deficiency of vitamin D3 can cause rickets, which presents as muscle weakness, muscle pain, and bone and joint pain.

• Severe deficiency may cause softening of the skull and bones of the legs, which may present as bowed-leg.

Who Is at Risk for Vitamin D3 Deficiency?

• Young children.

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women.

• In individuals who are dark-skinned - pigment (melanin), responsible for the skin color, acts as a guard against the sun rays being absorbed by the skin and interferes with vitamin D3 production.

• Individuals who get minimal sun exposure because of always being at home, hospitalization, geographic location, or extensive sun protection measures with clothing and sunscreen.

• Individuals with diseases (for example, Crohn's disease) that affect vitamin D3 absorption.

• Individuals on certain medications (for example, epileptic drugs).

• Individuals who get vitamin D3 from the sun and food sources may still have vitamin D3 deficiency due to some underlying metabolic disorder.

What Are the Sources of Vitamin D3?

Sources for vitamin D3 are:

• Sun - 7-dehydrocholesterol (a raw material that aids in vitamin D synthesis) absorbs the UVB rays of the sun, subsequently helping in vitamin D3 production.

• Food - Cod liver oil, fish (salmon, mackerel, tuna), egg yolks, cheese, and milk are excellent sources of vitamin D3.

• Supplements - If one continues to have vitamin D3 deficiency even after following the recommended diet, then a suitable vitamin D3 supplement is advised.

How to Take Vitamin D3 Supplements?

Vitamin D3 supplement is better absorbed when taken after food. However, it does not make any significant difference if consumed before or with food. Remember to have the supplement at the same hour ( if taken daily) or the same day (if taken weekly). Vitamin D3 supplements can be tablets, soft gel capsules, chewable (gummies), powders, and liquid or drops.

• Tablets and Soft Gel Capsules: Calcitas-D3, and Briocal-D3, taken with a glass of water after food.

• The Chewable Form Supplements: For example, D-Sol 60K is chewed and not swallowed with water, as it may affect the absorption of the vitamin.

• Liquid or Drop Supplements: Zynano D3 is measured before consumption.

• Powder Forms: For example, D3 active are consumed based on the instructions mentioned on the packaging.

Since animals are the primary source of vitamin D3, individuals who are vegan or vegetarian may inform the doctor so that an appropriate vegan supplement (for example, Inlife) be prescribed. In addition, vitamin K2 prevents calcium plaque in arteries by binding to excess calcium. So, when taken along with vitamin D3, it has added benefits.

Who Is at Risk for Taking Vitamin D3?

• Individuals on medication (for example, antiepileptic drugs) that can cause drug interaction may need a higher dose of vitamin D3, thereby, risk of toxicity.

• Individuals with kidney, liver, or hormonal diseases need close monitoring.

Does Vitamin D3 Cause Any Drug Interaction?

• Consuming Vitamin D3 supplements with medications for cholesterol, blood pressure, epilepsy, diabetes, etc., may affect the action of the medication or the absorption of vitamin D3.

• The doctor must be aware of relevant drug history before one starts treatment for vitamin D3 deficiency to avoid drug interactions. In addition, vitamin D3, a fat-soluble vitamin, is better absorbed when taken with high-fat food.

• Alcohol and caffeine consumption immediately before or after consuming vitamin D3 supplements can affect absorption.

• Vitamin D3 supplements should cautiously be advised for individuals with diseases that affect the heart or kidney or suffer from electrolyte imbalances.

Are There Any Side Effects of Vitamin D3?

Like any medication, vitamins can cause side effects. Some of the possible side effects are:

• Allergic reaction - rashes, blisters, or itching of skin.

• Constipation.

• Nausea and vomiting.

• Tiredness.

• Bone pain.

• Heart rhythm problems.

On rare occasions, when consumed beyond a prescribed dosage or duration, it may cause toxicity. In addition, it may cause an imbalance in the calcium and potassium levels in the blood, which subsequently disrupts the functioning of the heart and kidneys.

Conclusion

Vitamin D3 plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and well-being. Significant differences in bone density and bone mass are seen, even in aged individuals, after taking vitamin D3 supplements. Therefore, take vitamin D3 supplements, as advised by the doctor, for healthy bones and joints to last.