HISTORY
Vitamin D3 was first isolated and identified by professor Adolf Windaus in 1937.
Although vitamin D is commonly referred to as a vitamin, it is actually a steroid hormone. There are actually two types of vitamin D, known as vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol), and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Both types must be converted into the hormone calcitriol before they are active and able to benefit the body.
Vitamin D3 is the superior form of vitamin D, and can be obtained by either exposing the skin to sunlight, eating certain foods, or by taking a D3 supplement. Vitamin D3 in supplement form is usually derived from lanolin. Vitamin D2 is the form commonly added to fortified food products, or found in inferior vitamin supplements, and is usually derived from fungi.
Compared to vitamin D2, vitamin D3 is more that three times as potent.
MODE OF ACTION
Vitamin D, as either D3 or D2, does not possess significant biological activity, and must be metabolized within the body (by the liver and kidneys) in to the active form of vitamin D known as the hormone calcitriol. Vitamin D receptors are present in most cells in the body, and it has a broad range of physiological effects, some of which we still do not yet fully understand. Research of course is ongoing, but what we do know about vitamin D, is that it plays a crucial role in disease prevention and in the maintenance of optimal health.
The best understood role for calcitriol involves mineral metabolism and bone growth, controlling how your body uses calcium and phosphorus to make strong bones.
Vitamin D also helps fight infections by regulating the expression of genes that influence your immune system to attack and destroy bacteria and viruses, including the common cold and flu.
IMPORTANT!
In order for vitamin D3 to work properly in the body, it is important to have sufficient levels of vitamin K2 available. Both work together, strengthening bones and improving heart health. Vitamin K2 prevents calcium from being deposited in your arteries and other undesirable areas of the body, instead directing it to skeletal bones. Basically, vitamin D3 helps you absorb calcium, while K2 directs it to the right places.
50mcg of vitamin K2 should be considered the bare minimum intake for good health. Optimal dosage would be around 100mcg to every 1000iu of vitamin D3 ingested.
ANTI-AGING / LIFE EXTENTION BENEFITS
As well as problems relating to bone health, insufficient levels of vitamin D in the body have been linked to conditions such as cancer, asthma, type 2 diabetes, high blod pressure, depression, Alzheimers and autoimmune diseases. Recent estimates reveal that over 80% of people are likely to be deficient, and that supplementing with D3 could potentially slash cancer risk in the general population by over 50%. It really is that vital a nutrient.
The fact is, that unless you are getting regular sun exposure, or are taking a vitamin D3 supplement, then you are very likely going to be deficient. It is virtually impossible that anyone would be able to obtain sufficient amounts of vitamin D from food alone.
Another problem we face with advancing age, is that our skin makes less vitamin D in response to sun exposure than when we were younger. At the same time our kidneys are becoming less efficient at converting vitamin D into the active hormone calcitriol. Yet more valid reasons to supplement.
You can have your blood levels of D3 tested for, and ideally it wants to be around 70ng/ml. For most people, supplementing with around 5000iu per day should keep you close to that sweet spot.
The bottom line is, optimizing your vitamin D levels will lower your risk of cancer, heart disease, autoimmune diseases, infections, mental health disorders, age-related macular degeneration, and more. And dont forget Vitamin K2, because just like D3, most people are deficient.
SIDE EFFECTS
Excessive exposure to sun light cannot lead to an overproduction of vitamin D since the body regulates how much is produced, making no more than is required. Only a prolonged and highly excessive intake of vitamin D supplements can result in toxicity. The main consequence of vitamin D toxicity buildup of calcium in the blood. Symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. Kidney problems may also occur.
EFFECTIVE DOSAGE
5000iu per day. It is not necessary to exceed this dosage unless blood testing indicates otherwise. Make sure you are taking in sufficient vitamin K2 to balance your D3 intake. Around 500mcg of K2 will be an optimal intake to balance 5000iu of D3.
DURATION OF USE
No breaks in use are necessary.
PRODUCT AVAILABILITY
Vitamin D3 is available from health food stores and online vendors.