Vitamin D3 is a form of vitamin D synthesized in your body, and also found in fortified foods and many vitamin supplements. Its major function in your body is to regulate calcium localization, protecting against abnormally high or low blood calcium levels. High or low blood vitamin D levels can adversely affect calcium levels in your body.
Safe Vitamin D3 Range
Following consumption of vitamin D3, your body stores excess amounts in your body for later use. As your body requires more vitamin D, your kidneys convert the stored vitamin D into its biologically active form, called 25-hydroxy vitamin D, which enters your bloodstream. Doctors can test for levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D. According to MedlinePlus, your blood should contain between 30 and 74 nanograms of active vitamin D per milliliter of blood. Significantly higher or lower vitamin D levels can indicate a vitamin toxicity or deficiency, respectively.
Reasons for Abnormal Blood Levels
An abnormally high or low blood vitamin D level can indicate the presence of an underlying disorder. A low vitamin D level could develop from an inability to absorb dietary vitamin D, vitamin D depletion due to pharmaceuticals or as a result of kidney or liver illness, or insufficient sun exposure. An abnormally high level of vitamin D could indicate the presence of a parathyroid hormone imbalance or vitamin D supplement overuse.
Risks of Low Vitamin D3 Levels
A vitamin D3 deficiency, characterized by low vitamin D levels, can lead to side effects in adults and children. Growing bones rely on adequate amounts of vitamin D to help maintain bone minerals, and vitamin D3 deficiency in children or adolescents can lead to abnormal bone growth. In adults, a deficiency in vitamin D can affect bone remodeling, causing bone pain and softening. In addition, individuals suffering from low blood vitamin D levels might develop muscle weakness because your muscle tissue relies on vitamin D to maintain a proper calcium balance. Your doctor can treat a low vitamin D blood level by administering vitamin D supplements.
Risks of High Vitamin D3 Levels
A high blood level of vitamin D, indicating vitamin D3 toxicity, can also harm your health. Chronic over-consumption of vitamin D-3 can lead to a loss of bone tissue, and increase your bones' risk of fracture and injury. Abnormally high vitamin D blood levels also increase your blood calcium level, which can negatively affect your kidneys and cardiovascular system, causing calcification of your soft tissue. Your doctor can help prevent a high blood vitamin D level by recommending a vitamin dosage unlikely to cause vitamin toxicity.
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