Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, is one of two types of vitamin D. Vitamin D regulates calcium and phosphorous in the body and helps the body to maintain bone structure. You can get vitamin D3 and vitamin D2 through sun exposure and by consuming herring, mackerel, sardines, tuna, fortified cereals and dairy products. Vitamin D supplements are also available, though you should consult your doctor before taking them.
Rickets Prevention
Vitamin D deficiency can cause the disease known as rickets. Rickets causes bones in children to weaken, the Mayo Clinic explains. Adequate dosage of vitamin D3 can help prevent and treat rickets and vitamin D deficiency.
Bone Health
Vitamin D can treat osteoporosis, a degenerative bone disease, as well as bone pain associated with osteomalacia and bone loss associated with hyperparathyroidism, according to online medical resource MedlinePlus. Vitamin D can also prevent bone loss in adults with kidney failure. Based on scientific evidence, the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates vitamin D effective for treating osteomalacia, hyperparathyroidism and bone loss associated with kidney failure, MedlinePlus reports. The database also rates vitamin D as likely effective for treating osteoporosis, preventing falls and reducing bone loss in adults taking corticosteroids medication.
Immune System Health
Vitamin D may boost your immune system and help prevent autoimmune diseases, according to MedlinePlus. Scientific studies have tested daily oral doses of vitamin D3 supplements for effectiveness in flu prevention. The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates vitamin D as possibly effective for reducing the risk of seasonal flu in children.
Cancer Prevention
Scientific studies have tested daily dosages of vitamin D3 supplements, along with calcium, in preventing cancer in postmenopausal women, MedlinePlus reports. The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates vitamin D as possibly effective for preventing all types of cancers.
Other Uses
Vitamin D may also be effective in treating high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and muscle pain.
Warning
Taking vitamin D supplements may worsen high calcium levels in people with kidney disease, sarcoidosis, histoplasmosis, hyperparathyroidism or lymphoma. It may also worsen the condition known as atherosclerosis. Daily vitamin D doses above 50 micrograms may cause harm to infants when taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women, MedlinePlus warns.
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