Benefits of Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)

Vitamin D3 is a crucial fat-soluble vitamin that operates at the cellular level. It naturally occurs in very few foods, can be added to others and described as 'fortified with Vitamin D,' and is also available as a dietary supplement. The most natural source, however, is the synthesis triggered when ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from the sun penetrate the skin. Beyond its role as a vitamin, it functions as a hormone and may date back as far as progesterone. With remarkable antioxidative properties and anti-inflammatory effects against autoimmune responses, it positively influences the nervous system by stimulating neurotrophic factors, reducing oxidative hyperactivity, and regulating immune responses.

Vitamin D3 is produced when UVB sunlight interacts with the cholesterol present on our exposed skin. However, our routine of using soap tends to wash away much of this cholesterol, resulting in insufficient levels for Vitamin D3 synthesis. That’s why it’s essential for all of us to consider supplementation.

A common misconception is that one should excessively apply sunscreen while in the sun. Instead, it should be applied only after spending approximately 15 to 30 minutes in the sun, depending on your skin type.

For some of the best information on Vitamin D3, there is no better place to look than the Vitamin D Society and GrassrootsHealth websites. This is a comment made by Dr Cannell of the VDC.

 Get yourself tested, ZRT Labs and Birmingham Hospital are excellent for online testing labs.

What does Vitamin D3 do within our bodies?

Here are several responses occurring within our bodies.:

• The kidney pathway circulates Calcitriol back into the bloodstream, where it plays a crucial role in regulating calcium levels, thereby lowering the risk of diseases like rickets in children and osteomalacia or osteoporosis in adults.
• Vitamin D3 facilitates the absorption of calcium in the intestines and ensures sufficient serum calcium and phosphate levels, which are essential for normal bone mineralization and the prevention of hypocalcemic tetany.
• Inadequate levels of vitamin D3 can lead to bones becoming thin, fragile, or deformed. It is essential for bone growth and remodeling performed by osteoblasts and osteoclasts.
• The Calcitriol produced in our tissues plays a significant role in gene expression within cells, activating or deactivating specific genes. It's important to note that genes are responsible for synthesizing proteins, which serve as the machinery that regulates the majority of our bodily functions. Nearly all cells in the human body possess the Vitamin D Receptor (VDR).
• Vitamin D3 plays a crucial role in muscle function, facilitating movement, and is essential for nerves to transmit signals between the brain and all parts of the body.
• The immune system needs Vitamin D3 to fight off invading bacteria and viruses

To quote Dr. Greg Plotnikoff, Medical Director, Penny George Institute for Health and Healing, Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis:

"Because vitamin D3 is so cheap and so clearly reduces all-cause mortality, I can say this with great certainty: Vitamin D3 represents the single most cost-effective medical intervention in the United States."

Research has shown the correlation between poor Vitamin D3 function and all sorts of health conditions.

Do not get confused between Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol) versus Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)

Few are aware that there are two distinct types of Vitamin D, and they are NOT interchangeable! Choosing the incorrect type could potentially cause more harm than benefit. Drisdol is a synthetic variant of Vitamin D2, derived from irradiating fungi and plant materials, and is the form of Vitamin D3 commonly prescribed by healthcare providers. This is not the type your body produces in reaction to sunlight, which is Vitamin D3. Ensure that the Vitamin D you receive from a prescription or purchase at a pharmacy is indeed Vitamin D3!

Vitamin D2 is present in many of our foods, such as mushrooms. However, it is Vitamin D3 that is essential for us, the same vitamin we obtain from sunlight. While some foods, like salmon, contain it, we would have to consume large amounts to meet our required intake!

Certain Vitamin D3 supplements may contain added vitamin A and/or calcium, so it's important to exercise caution. Excessive intake of vitamin A can lead to toxicity and inhibit the absorption of Vitamin D3. Additionally, elevated levels of free calcium in the bloodstream can lead to calcified arteries, heart disease, and depression. Please refer to the references below.

VITAMIN A - it’s important to note that cod liver oil (CLO), though an excellent source of vitamin D3, as well as any fish liver oil, is rich in vitamin A. The high levels of vitamin A can inhibit the absorption of vitamin D3 and may lead to toxicity - see here. If you are deficient in vitamin A, consider taking beta-carotene. Additionally, it is thought that excessive vitamin A may contribute to hair loss.

Concerns about toxicity have persisted, yet it seems to be just another misinformed notion. See here and here

I highly recommend watching this exceptional video featuring Dr. Michael F. Holick. Although it's quite lengthy, it is truly worth every minute of your time and offers a treasure trove of information. Vitamin D3 is available in three forms.

• Cholecalciferol, also known as D3, is produced in the skin and is available as a supplement for consumption.
• Calcidiol (25-hydroxyVitamin D3) is a prehormone synthesized from cholecalciferol by the liver. When assessing Vitamin D3 levels, this should be the sole form tested for.
• Calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyVitamin D3) is primarily produced by the kidneys from calcidiol and is considered a highly potent steroid hormone.

Finally a lack of Vitamin D3 reduces the benefits of progesterone, see here and here.

I strongly encourage you to have your Vitamin D3 levels tested to ensure you can take appropriate action if necessary.