Your Body Depends on It!
Sunlight is the source of life on Earth, but we may not be aware of all the ways it benefits us. Our bodies manufacture Vitamin D3 when the skin is exposed to UV radiation from sunlight, but the ability to do so decreases as we age. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is a nutrient that is critical to many bodily functions. It's converted from food sources and sunlight into its active form, calcitriol, by the liver and kidneys. Vitamin D3 is beneficial for supporting bone health, immune wellness, cardiovascular function, and cellular metabolism, among others. Mounting research is highlighting the ever-increasing benefits of optimal Vitamin D3 status. Vitamin D3 is known to interact with over 200 different genes and thus plays a crucial regulatory role as a metabolic activator for a multitude of metabolic processes.
Vitamin D3 helps regulate and control the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus by aiding in the absorption of these two minerals from the small intestine, and by directly affecting the rate at which these minerals form and maintain bone. Calcium, the main structural element in bones and teeth, can only be absorbed by the body when Vitamin D is present. It is therefore essential for building and maintaining healthy bones and teeth. It's also believed to contribute to increased muscle strength, which may help improve balance and reduce the risk of falls among the elderly.
It's estimated that a significant percentage of adults suffer from Vitamin D deficiency, which is associated with a variety of health complications. The elderly, alcoholics, and strict vegetarians are particularly at risk for deficiency and should consider regular supplementation. Individuals with darker skin pigments may also be at increased risk, as darker skin contains higher levels of melanin, which may inhibit the skin's ability to produce Vitamin D from sunlight.
Vitamin D deficiencies are common among those with overactive parathyroid glands. This gland is responsible for maintaining calcium levels, which is vital for proper functioning of the muscular and nervous systems.
There is a lot of evidence that people are deficient in Vitamin D, and many experts believe that higher dosages are preferable for optimal health. The earlier USDA recommendation of 400 IU per day is just enough to avoid serious diseases associated with Vitamin D deficiency. However, for optimal health, much higher levels may be beneficial.
The fact that Vitamin D is measured in IU (International Units) is somewhat misleading. It may seem like you're getting a large amount when taking 5,000 IU, but 1 microgram of Vitamin D equals 40 IU, meaning 5,000 IU is only 125 micrograms (0.125 milligrams). Vitamin D is actually a seco-steroid hormone that affects almost every cell in your body by influencing gene expression. Numerous reports describe people taking higher dosages of Vitamin D with positive outcomes. People also tend to become sicker during the winter months, when Vitamin D levels are typically at their lowest.
We have combined Vitamin D3 with Vitamin K2 because they work synergistically to support bone strength, cardiovascular health, and proper calcium utilization.
Our Vitamin D3 contains 5,000 IU per capsule and is sourced from lanolin, meaning it is derived from sheep's wool.
