In terms of the action and structure of vitamin D, it is similar in nature to other steroid hormones such as testosterone and estradiol, an estrogen, explains the University of California. Two types of vitamin D exist--that synthesized by plants, vitamin D2; and vitamin D3, which your skin synthesizes when in sunlight. Your need for vitamin D3 depends on the amount of calcium and phosphorus in your diet, your age and gender, and the amount of sun exposure you get.
Vitamin D3 and the Calcium Connection
Without vitamin D3, your body cannot absorb or utilize enough calcium to stay healthy. With an adequate supply of vitamin D3, serum calcium is maintained and calcium stays in your bones. This prevents diseases such as rickets, where bones lose so much calcium that they become soft; in adults, it prevents osteomalacia, softened bones due to loss of bone minerals. The vitamin D3 and calcium connection also prevents muscle pain and weakness.
Autoimmune Diseases and Hypertension
Autoimmune diseases include diabetes type 1, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. The Linus Pauling Institute states that studies show that adequate production of vitamin D3 may decrease the risk of these autoimmune diseases. As well, decreased amounts of vitamin D3 correlate with high blood pressure, or hypertension. The institute cites a study that shows increased exposure to sunlight or increased dietary vitamin D3 supplements, combined with calcium supplements, resulted in a drop in blood pressure.
Toxicity
Taking too much vitamin D3 as a supplement may induce toxicity, or hypervitaminosis D. The result would be dangerously high levels of serum calcium that may lead to loss of bone and calcification of organs, such as your heart and kidneys. This would require more than 50,000 IU of vitamin D per day, states the Linus Pauling Institute. The Institute of Medicine sets the upper intake level for vitamin D at 4,000 IU per day. The institute believes that healthy individuals may be able to tolerate upwards of 10,000 IU per day.
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