Vitamins and minerals must be consumed from diet. In many cases, consuming a variety of whole foods provides adequate vitamin and mineral intake. Exceptions to the rule include calcium, periodically iron and vitamin D. In cases of vitamin D deficiency, a supplement may be prescribed by a physician in the form of vitamin D3. This raises questions as to the difference between vitamin D and vitamin D3 and which is best for health.
Vitamin D
The term "vitamin D" describes a collection of compounds chemically similar to cholesterol. The active forms of vitamin D are created in the body in a multistep process after exposure to sunlight. Although only the final products are "active forms," the term "vitamin D" applies to all of the compounds created during the process.
Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 is a specific compound made in the body during a multistep process. Vitamin D3 is also the compound found in oral vitamin D supplements. Whether made internally or consumed as a supplement, vitamin D3 is converted easily to the active forms of D in the body.
Which Form of Vitamin D Is Superior for Health?
Although their chemistry is different, vitamin D and vitamin D3 are thought to have an identical impact on health because both ultimately are metabolized into the same active forms. Experts suggest that combining low-fat dairy products, sunlight exposure and oral supplementation may be the best collective way to acquire vitamin D. Regardless of the form consumed, similar health benefits may be expected.
Bone Health
Vitamin D long has been known to positively affect bone health by helping maintain calcium balance in the bloodstream. Vitamin D is instrumental in preventing rickets, a cause of bone deformities in children, and osteoporosis, a loss of bone mass in older adults.
Cell Development
Vitamin D prevents excessive cell production associated with psoriasis, a disorder in which skin cells are produced too quickly resulting in itchy, rashy and/or scaly patches of skin. Preventing undesirable cell replication may also eventually earn vitamin D a reputation as a cancer-preventive agent.
The Immune System and Inflammatory Diseases
Recent evidence suggests that vitamin D has anti-inflammatory properties. Suppression of inflammation may improve rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and coronary artery disease. Additional immune system enhancements related to infection prevention also have been demonstrated.
Heart Health
A reduction of blood pressure and maintenance of heart muscle function and size appears to be associated with vitamin D. The positive impact of vitamin D on the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas is notable, as this may reduce cardiovascular disease by diminishing the risk of diabetes.
References
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition;" From vitamin D to hormone D: fundamentals of the vitamin D endocrine system essential for good health; Anthony W. Norman; 2008
- "Archives of Dermatology;" Skin as the Site of Vitamin D Synthesis and Target Tissue for 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3; Michael F. Holick, et al.; 1987
- "Progress in biophysics and molecular biology;" Vitamin D physiology; P. Lips; 2006
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