Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps to maintain the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body, both play important roles in keeping the bones, teeth and muscles healthy. Vitamin D also contributes to keeping the immune system strong helping to avoid viruses and unwanted bacteria.

Vitamin D2 or D3?

Vitamin D2 and D3 are both forms of Vitamin D. Vitamin D2 is generally made and sold synthetically but it is also produced in plants when they are exposed to sunlight. D3 is the form of Vitamin D that is naturally produced by the body, it is converted from cholesterol when the skin is exposed to sunlight, making it a more preferred option. Within the industry it is sourced from lambs wool.

When it comes to health benefits, Vitamin D3 comes with higher recommendations being more important and effective. It is absorbed better by our bodies, is more effective at raising Vitamin D in blood levels, and it helps to maintain levels of Vitamin D throughout the winter where sun exposure is at a minimum. D2 does not have enough health benefits to be used as a single source of Vitamin D.

Benefits of Vitamin D

It is estimated that roughly 1 billion people worldwide have low levels of Vitamin D in their blood. Some common symptoms of having a Vitamin D deficiency are:

• Getting sick often.
• Feeling tired.
• Hair loss.
• Muscle and/or bone pain.

Increasing the level of Vitamin D in the blood will not only relieve these symptoms but also reduce the risk of reoccurrence.

Other health benefits of Vitamin D are healthy bones, healthy pregnancy and reduced risk of diabetes and cancer. As Vitamin D is vital for bone health it also aids in promoting healthy growth in infants.

Vitamin D Supplements

Those who have a deficiency, live in cooler climates or work in doors will likely not be getting enough Vitamin D and will be looking for ways to increase their levels.

There are many ways to improve the intake of Vitamin D; through foods such as cheese, egg yolks or fatty fish like tuna and salmon, but it unlikely to consume the daily recommended amount through diet alone. There is the sun of course, increasing exposure to the sun will in turn increase the amount of Vitamin D in blood levels. However, the further from the equator the harder it is to get a good amount of sun exposure. There are of course other health risks attached to over exposure to the sun’s rays.

Although fatty fish and sunlight are good natural sources it is unlikely that a person will be able to improve their levels a substantial amount. The most effective way of increasing Vitamin D levels in in the form of a supplement. It can be taken in many ways however Vitamin D is fat soluble, so we recommend the consumer takes it in an oil/gel capsule capacity.