Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) is a fat-soluble vitamin that can be stimulated by sunlight to synthesize in the skin, and is mainly synthesized in the summer. It is the most biologically active form of the VD family, and its effect on raising blood vitamin D levels is 3 times higher than that of ordinary D2. Lack of Vitamin D3 can cause the human body to show symptoms of "calcium deficiency", affecting multiple systems such as bones, immunity, nerves, metabolism, etc.

Benefits of Supplementing Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3 is an essential nutrient with many health benefits, including strong bones, a stronger immune system, and improved mood. It also plays a role in muscle function, heart health, and even mental clarity. Vitamin D3 is essential for the body to effectively absorb calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for bone and tooth health. It plays an important role in building and maintaining healthy bones. It does this by regulating calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood and promoting the absorption of these minerals in the intestines.

Research shows that calcium and phosphorus are components of bones and teeth and play a role in muscle function, nerve transmission, and energy production. According to the NIH, vitamin D3 also has a bone remodeling effect, which can help prevent bone diseases such as osteoporosis and bone loss, and can promote muscle growth and strength, thereby supporting our bones and maintaining our balance.

In addition, vitamin D3 supports the immune system, helping the body fight bacteria and viruses, and it has neuroprotective properties that support brain cell activity. It also has different anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The vitamin D3 pathway has been shown to reduce mast cell degranulation in various disease models. Vitamin D3 is first converted to 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and then converted to the active form 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 by CYP enzymes. Vitamin D3 deficiency contributes to the pathophysiology of allergic diseases including asthma, and vitamin D3 treatment can reduce allergen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation in experimental asthma models.

Studies have shown that supplementing the diet of laying hens in commercial laying farms can improve eggshell quality and increase the vitamin D3 content of eggs.

How much vitamin D3 should be consumed daily?

According to the NIH, the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamin D, or the daily intake sufficient to maintain bone health in healthy people, varies by age.

Children aged 1-18 years: 15 μg (600 IU)

Adults aged 18-70 years: 15 μg (600 IU)

Adults aged 70 years and older: 20 μg (800 IU)

In addition, studies have shown that long-term supplementation with 5000 to 50,000 IU/day of vitamin D3 appears to be safe.

Reference:

[1] DONG-HAE JOH. Farm Survey on Eggshell Quality and Egg Vitamin D3 Contents in Laying Hens Fed Vitamin D3-enriched Diets[J]. Korean Journal of Poultry Science, 2023, 46 1. DOI:10.5536/kjps.2023.50.2.73.

[2] H. MAARSINGH. 1α,25‐Dihydroxy vitamin D3, the active form of vitamin D3, protects against allergeninduced airway constriction[J]. The FASEB Journal, 2019. DOI:10.1096/fasebj.2019.33.1\_supplement.681.2.

[3] PATRICK J. MCCULLOUGH; Jeffrey A; Douglas S Lehrer. Daily oral dosing of vitamin D3 using 5000 TO 50,000 international units a day in long-term hospitalized patients: Insights from a seven year experience[J]. Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 2019, 189: Pages 228-239. DOI:10.1016/j.jsbmb.2018.12.010.