Vitamin D3 is important for many types of body processes and functions. While it was known for its importance for bone health historically, emerging information indicates its importance for the prevention and cure of many other diseases and conditions. D3 is the most potent form of vitamin D.
Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 is both a fat-soluble vitamin and hormone. Its other names include cholecalciferol and activated 7-dehydrocholesterol. Ordinarily, you obtain vitamin D3 from sunlight, food and fortified products, like milk. Some foods containing vitamin D3 are fatty fish like salmon or tuna, beef liver, cheese, egg yolk and mushrooms.
Considerations
A review of research about vitamin D supplementation, published by Philippe Autier, M.D., and Sara Gandini, Ph.D., in "Archives of Internal Medicine" on Sept. 10, 2007, concluded that vitamin D taken in normal doses was associated with an overall decrease in death rates. In most of the studies, participants were more than 50 years old and were followed for an average of 5.7 years. While precise dosage requirements could not be determined by the review, vitamin D decreased death rates from all diseases and conditions reported.
Benefits
Vitamin D3's particular benefits for health include prevention or help in at least 17 types of cancer, tuberculosis, bipolar disorder, low birth weight, autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, psoriasis, hyperparathyroidism, muscle pains, influenza and cardiovascular disease.
Global Vitamin D Deficiency
Despite its importance, globally vitamin D deficiency is common, even in places that receive much sunlight. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, people most likely to have vitamin D3 deficiency are breastfed infants, elderly adults, people with dark skin, those with digestive tract disorders and people who are obese. Too little vitamin D3 can cause bone malformations like rickets, muscle pain and bone pain.
When Not to Take Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 interacts with many medications including Lipitor, Dovonex, digoxin, Cardizem, Biaxin, Crixivan, Halcion, Diuril, cimetidine, Heparin, prednisone and Dilantin. It interacts with magnesium and aluminum. Vitamin D3 is contraindicated for people with some diseases and conditions like elevated calcium, kidney disease, atherosclerosis and lymphoma. Taking more than 4,000 IUs per day will cause side effects.
Vitamin D3 Supplementation
More recently recommended amounts of daily vitamin D3 intake range from around 800 IU to 2,000 IU for adults. Always check with a medical professional before adding any supplement, both because of the potential for ill effects and because some supplements are not needed.
References
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D; November 30, 2010
- "Alternative Medicine Review"; Benefits and Requirements of Vitamin D for Optimal Health: A Review; William B. Grant, Ph.D. and M.F. Holick, Ph.D, M.D.; 2005
- "The Journal of Nutrition"; Vitamin D Intake: A Global Perspective of Current Status; Mona S. Calvo et al.; 2005
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; Vitamin D Supplementation and Total Mortality; Phillipe Autier, M.D., and Sara Gandini, Ph.D; September 10, 2007
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