A Supplement to Support Healthy Vitamin D Levels
What is D3 in Comparison to Regular Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is found in two forms in the body – vitamin D2 and vitamin D3; and both are referred to as “vitamin D.” That said, the body can only synthesize one form on its own – vitamin D3 – which is produced when the skin is exposed to sunlight. The body is unable to synthesize vitamin D2, but we can obtain it from dietary sources, mainly plant-based like mushrooms and fortified products like milk, cereals, and orange juice. Both vitamin D forms are utilized in the body and help to minimize the risk of deficiencies.
Why is it Beneficial to Have D3 and K2 Together?
Vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 are both important to supporting whole body health as they both play a key role in calcium metabolism. Supplementing with both is beneficial as it ensures proper distribution and absorption calcium. That is, vitamin D3 transports calcium throughout the body and vitamin K2 ensures calcium is absorbed where it is needed. Essentially, the combined effect of these vitamins is maintaining optimal calcium balance in the body.
What are the Consequences of a Vitamin D Deficiency?
Vitamin D is required for maintaining healthy bones and teeth, optimal muscular function, brain-body communications, and protecting against infection. When a deficiency occurs, it can present as the following symptoms: fatigue, muscle weakness, bone and joint pain, and depression. Left untreated, this can lead to osteoporosis (adults), rickets (children), pregnancy complications, as well as increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
How Much Vitamin D Does the Human Body Require?
|
Age |
Male |
Female |
Pregnancy/Lactation |
|
0-12 months |
10 mcg (400 IU) |
10 mcg (400 IU) |
|
|
1-13 years |
15 mcg (600 IU) |
15 mcg (600 IU) |
|
|
14-18 years |
15 mcg (600 IU) |
15 mcg (600 IU) |
15 mcg (600 IU) |
|
19-50 years |
15 mcg (600 IU) |
15 mcg (600 IU) |
15 mcg (600 IU) |
|
51-70 years |
15 mcg (600 IU) |
15 mcg (600 IU) |
|
|
>71 years |
20 mcg (800 IU) |
20 mcg (800 IU) |
|
Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2010.
Is the Amount of Vitamin D We Get from the Sun Enough?
Approximately 42% of the U.S. population is deficient in vitamin D, despite the fact that sunlight is one of the best sources to obtain vitamin D3. Most individuals can synthesize enough vitamin D by exposing their skin to the sun for 10 minutes a day. However, this isn’t the case for everyone. The amount of vitamin D created by sun exposure differs between each person and depends on their surrounding environment, weight, age, skin type, and geographical location. Because of this, it is generally recommended that people take a vitamin D supplement.
