TABLE OF CONTENTS
We take a look at : What is Vitamin D3 and the distinct difference with Vitamin D2. What is the dosage, benefits, deficiency causes and the best natural healthy food sources. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. It is popularly known for it’s ability to help the body absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus. It is worth noting that many of the body’s organs and tissues have receptors for vitamin D, What this tells us is that Vitamin D has numerous benefits beyond the commonly acknowledged bone building benefits. The health wonders of Vitamin D3 are boundless.
⮞ VIDEO | Watch | The Wonders of Vitamin D3
★ Vitamin D3 – The Basics | Forms | Types
What is Vitamin D
Vitamin D is commonly referred to as the sun vitamin. It is both a nutrient available in food and a hormone that our bodies can make. Vitamin D’s other name is calciferol. And is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in very few foods. For this reason most packaged foods are fortified to add Vitamin D. However it is widely available as a dietary supplement.
Forms of Vitamin D
Vitamin D exists in two main forms: Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol), also known as pre-vitamin D, and Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Both forms are produced through exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays.
Types of Vitamin D
Vitamin D2 occurs naturally in plants and is present in fortified foods and supplements. The human body produces Vitamin D3 when the skin is exposed to sunlight. It also occurs in small amounts in certain animal-based foods. Manufacturers produce Vitamin D2 by exposing ergosterol in yeast to UV light. In contrast, they produce Vitamin D3 by irradiating 7-dehydrocholesterol from lanolin, followed by chemical conversion from cholesterol.
Which Type is Better D2 or D3
Evidence shows that Vitamin D3 raises serum vitamin D levels more effectively and sustains them for longer than Vitamin D2. However, the body absorbs both forms well in the small intestine, and they follow similar metabolic pathways. Fat in the gut enhances the absorption of both types.
★ Vitamin D3 – The Solubility | RDA | Sources
Is Vitamin D3 Water or Oil Soluble
Vitamin D3 is a fat-soluble vitamin, it dissolves in fats and oils. The body stores it in the fatty tissue and liver. It is therefore best to take it along with fats in the diet. It is best to take it along with fats in the diet to maximize absorption. This way, you will get the most out of your fat-soluble vitamins.
What is the RDA of Vitamin D3
The recommended daily allowance RDA of Vitamin D defers depending on the regulating body. RDA is normally based on the daily amount needed to maintain healthy bones and normal calcium metabolism in healthy people. The RDA for therapeutic doses may therefore defer. A recommended RDA of 400 international units (IU) was considered adequate. This has since changed, and you can now get VitaminD3 in higher doses. The supplement form comes in 1000iu to 5000iu and much higher dosage amounts.
What are the Sources of Vitamin D3
The Sun’s Ultra Violet Light
The body produces Vitamin D3 in the skin when exposed to sunlight. UVB rays break down a steroid called 7-dehydrocholesterol, starting the process. This reaction converts it into a precursor that the body then processes in the liver and kidneys to form active vitamin D calcitriol.
Natural Food Sources
They are very few foods that are naturally rich in vitaminD3. The best sources are the flesh of fatty fish and fish liver oils. While egg yolks, cheese, and beef liver contain smaller amounts. Some mushrooms also contain vitamin D2.
Fortified Food Sources
Many foods and supplements are fortified with vitamin D like dairy products and cereals. Commercially sold mushrooms may contain higher than normal levels of Vitamin D2. As a result of exposure to high amounts of ultra violet light.
★ Vitamin D3 – The Key Causes of Deficiency
Vitamin D insufficiency affects almost 50% of the population worldwide across all ethnicities and age groups. The pandemic of hypovitaminosis D is attributable to lifestyle. Especially reduced outdoor activities as well as environmental factors like air pollution leading to reduced exposure to sunlight. Adequate sunlight exposure is a requirement, in order to produce ultraviolet-B (UVB)-induced vitamin D in the skin.
⮞ Additional Information Resources - Vitamin D3
YourHealth120 is a site intended to simplify health concepts so as to empower our readers to make informed decisions about their health. We have therefore provided in the table below website links to additional reading information resources which provide you with more detailed, scientific and even scholarly articles.★ Amazon Top 4 Choices of Vitamin D3 Supplements
| Image | Product | Rating | Price |
|
BEST VALUE
![]() |
Pure Encapsulations |
4.8
|
|
|
MOST POPULAR
![]() |
NatureWise |
4.7
|
|
|
STARTER DOSE
![]() |
NOW Foods |
4.8
|
|
|
ADDED VALUE
![]() |
Naturelo |
4.7
|
*Note as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.





