Vitamin D3

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Other names for vitamin D3

Cholecalciferol
Vitamin D (animal-derived form)
Bioactive D3
Vitamin D3

Synopsis of vitamin D3

Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in maintaining calcium homeostasis, promoting bone health, and supporting immune function. It is the naturally occurring form of vitamin D, synthesized in the skin in response to sunlight (ultraviolet B radiation) and found in certain animal-based foods such as fatty fish, liver, egg yolks, and fortified dairy products.

Vitamin D3 is essential for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the intestines, both of which are critical for bone mineralization and skeletal integrity. It helps regulate the parathyroid hormone (PTH) and bone resorption, ensuring that calcium is properly deposited in bones and teeth rather than in soft tissues. Adequate vitamin D levels are important for preventing osteoporosis, rickets, and osteomalacia.

Vitamin D3 also plays a role in immune function, supporting both the innate and adaptive immune systems. It has been linked to a lower risk of infections, particularly respiratory infections like the flu and COVID-19, as well as chronic conditions like autoimmune diseases and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, vitamin D3 has anti-inflammatory effects, supporting the body’s ability to manage inflammatory responses.

Historical Use:
The importance of vitamin D and its role in bone health was first recognized in the early 20th century, when scientists discovered that rickets, a condition characterized by soft, weakened bones in children, was linked to a deficiency in vitamin D. The relationship between vitamin D and calcium metabolism was established during the same period, and by the 1920s, vitamin D was being used to treat rickets.

In the early 20th century, the discovery of cod liver oil as a natural source of vitamin D led to its widespread use as a remedy for rickets. Cod liver oil became the primary means of vitamin D supplementation, particularly for children, and its use persisted into the mid-20th century as a common household remedy. At the same time, the link between sunlight exposure and vitamin D synthesis was established, with early studies showing that people who lived in sunnier regions or worked outdoors had higher levels of vitamin D and lower rates of rickets.

As more research was conducted, vitamin D was found to have other health benefits beyond bone health, including its role in immune function and chronic disease prevention. During the mid-20th century, vitamin D fortification in foods such as milk became common, significantly reducing the incidence of rickets in developed countries.

By the late 20th and early 21st centuries, vitamin D was increasingly recognized for its role in preventing a range of chronic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. The growing body of evidence linking vitamin D to overall health has led to widespread use of vitamin D supplements, particularly vitamin D3, which is considered more effective at raising blood levels of vitamin D than vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol).

Vitamin D3 is used for these health conditions

Alzheimer's Disease (Scientific)
Anemia (Scientific)
Arthritis (Scientific)
Asthma (Scientific)
Autoimmune Disorders (Scientific)
Backache (Scientific)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Scientific)
Cancer (prevention) (Scientific)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Cardiovascular Disease (Scientific)
Dementia (Scientific)
Depression (Scientific)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Eczema (Scientific)
Fibromyalgia Syndrome (Scientific)
Hair (loss or thinning) (Scientific)
Hashimoto's Disease (Scientific)
Hypertension (Scientific)
Infection (Scientific)
Infection (viral) (Scientific)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders (Scientific)
Lupus (Scientific)
Memory and Brain Function (Scientific)
Menopause (Scientific)
Migraine (Scientific)
Multiple Sclerosis (Scientific)
Osteoporosis (Scientific)
Parkinson's Disease (Scientific)
Psoriasis (Scientific)
Rheumatoid Arthritis (Scientific)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (Scientific)
Teeth (loose) (Scientific)
Testosterone (low) (Scientific)
Tooth Decay (Scientific)
Tuberculosis (Scientific)
Wounds and Sores (Scientific)

vitamin D3 is used to support these body systems

Blood (Scientific)
Brain (Scientific)
Circulatory System (Scientific)
Glandular System (Scientific)
Heart (Scientific)
Immune System (Scientific)
Intestinal System (Scientific)
Kidneys (Scientific)
Lungs (Scientific)
Mitochondria (Scientific)
Muscles (Scientific)
Parathyroid Glands (Scientific)
Respiratory System (Scientific)
Skeletal System (Bones) (Scientific)
Skin (Scientific)
Small Intestines (Scientific)
Teeth (Scientific)