Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3, also know as Cholecalciferol, is essential to our good health. D vitamins aren’t actually vitamins, they are pro hormones and, they are the only vitamins which are produced by our bodies.

What are Sources of vitamin D3 ?

Our natural source of vitamin D3 comes from sunlight which promotes vitamin D synthesis from cholesterol in the skin. This is fine for those of us who live in tropical climates but for those of us who live in colder climates, with dull, dark winters, it can be a problem getting enough D3. People with darker skin will also need more vitamin D3 than those with fair complexions, as the extra melanin found in darker skin slows down the absorption of vitamin D3.

Other sun blockers include: –

Using sun block

Heavy pollution

Living in cities with sky scrapers constantly blocking the sunlight

Not venturing outdoors

Vitamin D3 can be found in the following foods:-

Cod liver oil

Sardines

Salmon

Mackerel

Swordfish

Herring

Tuna

Raw milk

Caviar

Eggs

It’s important to note that when a product say’s it’s fortified with vitamin D, it’s usually referring to vitamin D2 and not B3.

What Does Vitamin D3 Protect Us Against ?

|Rickets is the most common disease of old that comes to mind when we think of vitamin D3 deficiency but today, we have a far greater knowledge of the health problems that are associated with a lack of vitamin D3. It is therefore vital that we keep up our vitamin D3 intake, either through sunlight, food or supplements, to potentially help us prevent the following problems occurring:-

Weakened immune system

Osteopenia or Osteoporosis

Bone and muscle pain

Stress fractures

Hair loss

Hypertension

Neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s

Autoimmune disease

Depression

Cancer, especially breast, prostate and cancer of the colon

Eczema

Psoriasis

Type 1 diabetes

About Shaun

Hi I am a naturopathic researcher. One which supports and promotes the healthy function of the body...stimulating the body's built-in self healing mechanisms.
This entry was posted in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *