What is Vitamin D and What Does it Do?

Vitamin D which is  often known as the sunshine vitamin, is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for several bodily functions. Unlike other vitamins, vitamin D can be synthesized by our bodies when our skin is exposed to sunlight. It can also be obtained through certain foods and Vitamin D supplements.

There are two main forms of vitamin D: D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol), with D3 being the more potent form that is more effective at raising vitamin D levels in the blood.

How do I maintain a normal level of Vitamin D?
Maintaining optimal vitamin D levels involves a combination of sun exposure, diet, and possibly supplements. It is also helpful to have your vitamin D levels checked periodically through a blood test, especially if you are at risk of deficiency. Those at higher risk include people with limited sun exposure, older adults, individuals with darker skin, and those with certain medical conditions affecting vitamin D absorption.

What does Vitamin D do?
Vitamin D is crucial for many areas of the body to function properly, and in particular helps to support your bone health, immune system, muscle function, and can also help to regulate your moods.

Maintains Bone Health
One of the most well-known benefits of vitamin D is its crucial role in maintaining bone health. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which is necessary for the formation and maintenance of strong bones. Without sufficient vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle, or misshapen. This can lead to conditions such as rickets in children and osteomalacia or osteoporosis in adults.

Supports Your Immune System
Vitamin D is also vital for a well-functioning immune system. It enhances the pathogen-fighting effects of monocytes and macrophages—white blood cells that are critical to our immune defence. Vitamin D also reduces inflammation, which helps the body ward off infections and diseases. 

Regulates Your Moods
There is growing evidence suggesting that vitamin D plays a role in mood regulation and the prevention of depression. Some studies have found that individuals with low levels of vitamin D are more likely to experience depression and other mood disorders. While more research is needed to fully understand this connection, ensuring adequate vitamin D levels could have positive effects on mental health.

Helps to Repair and Strengthen Your Muscles
Vitamin D contributes to muscle function by ensuring that muscles can contract properly. Adequate levels of vitamin D are necessary for optimal muscle strength and performance. A deficiency in vitamin D can lead to muscle weakness and increase the risk of falls, particularly in older adults.

The Challenges of Absorbing Vitamin D
Despite its importance, several factors can hinder the absorption and synthesis of vitamin D. 

• Limited Sun Exposure: The body synthesizes vitamin D when the skin is exposed to sunlight. However, geographical location, season, time spent indoors, and the use of sunscreen can significantly reduce sun exposure. People living in northern latitudes or areas with long winters are particularly at risk.
• Skin Pigmentation: Melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour, can reduce the skin's ability to produce vitamin D from sunlight. People with darker skin need more sun exposure to produce the same amount of vitamin D as those with lighter skin.
  
• Age: As we age, the skin's ability to synthesize vitamin D decreases. Additionally, older adults often spend more time indoors and may have dietary restrictions that limit vitamin D intake.
• Diet: Few foods naturally contain vitamin D. Fatty fish, liver, and egg yolks are good sources, but they might not be enough to meet daily needs. Many people rely on fortified foods like milk, cereal, and orange juice to boost their intake.
• Health Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and cystic fibrosis, can impair the intestine's ability to absorb vitamin D from food.

What is Calcifediol?
Calcifediol, also known as 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, is a form of vitamin D that is one step closer to the active form of vitamin D in the body. It is produced in the liver from vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) and can be used to enhance vitamin D3 absorption.

How Calcifediol Works

• Faster Absorption: Calcifediol is absorbed more directly into the bloodstream compared to vitamin D3. This means it can raise vitamin D levels more quickly and efficiently.
  
• Higher Potency: Studies have shown that calcifediol is 2-8 times more potent than vitamin D3. This means smaller doses can achieve significant results.
  
• Better Bioavailability: Calcifediol provides a more stable increase in vitamin D levels over time, avoiding the fluctuations often seen with high-dose vitamin D3 supplements.

The Benefits of Using Calcifediol

• Rapid Elevation of Vitamin D Levels: Calcifediol can quickly boost vitamin D levels, making it ideal for individuals with severe deficiencies or those who need a rapid increase in vitamin D.
• Improved Physical Performance: Supplementation with calcifediol has been shown to improve muscle strength and physical performance, particularly in older adults.
  
• Suitable for Various Conditions: Calcifediol is beneficial for people with conditions that affect vitamin D absorption, such as obesity, liver disease, and malabsorption syndromes.

Start Supplementing Vitamin D with Supplement Hub
Vitamin D is a vital nutrient that supports bone health, immune function, mood regulation, and muscle function. With the challenges of obtaining sufficient vitamin D from sunlight and food alone, awareness and proactive measures can help reduce vitamin D deficiency.

Start supplementing your diet with Vitamin D supplements today to help maintain optimal levels and support your overall health and well-being.

	VitamoreD - 60 tablets - 1 month supply VitamoreD is a fast acting Vitamin D3 supplement with active form Calcifediol for enhanced absorption.
	Seeking Heath Vitamin D3 + K2 - 60 Capsules - 2 month supply Vitamin D3 and K2 provides vitamin D and K in their most optimal forms, meaning the body can easily utilise them. Taking vitamin D alongside vitamin K is particularly beneficial for calcium absorption and bone health, as the two work together in the body.
	Vitamin D3 + K2 - 30ml - 1 month supply Vitamin D3 with K2 by Nutri Advanced supports bone health and immunity in an easy to take liquid formulation for better absorption.