Vitamin D3 The Sunshine Vitamin
Vitamin D is a nutrient that is critical to many bodily functions. It is beneficial for supporting bone health, immune wellness, cardiovascular function and cellular metabolism. Vitamin D is essential for life; it regulates calcium homeostasis in the body, plays a role in most organs and systems of the body and acts as a ‘molecular switch’ by influencing the expression of multiple genes. Studies have shown that Vitamin D levels are often low in the general population. Whilst some Vitamin D is obtained from the diet, the major source for replenishment is exposure of the skin to sunlight. However a number of factors may hinder this process, i.e. covering the skin with sunscreen, also sun exposure not possible all year round. Vitamin D3
How does it work?
Vitamin D from dietary intake or sun exposure requires two activation steps in the body. The first activation occurs in the liver, while the second activation occurs in the kidneys, allowing for regulation of calcium metabolism. Vitamin D receptors are present throughout the body, in tissue such as the skin, cartilage, heart, prostate, bones and intestines so the second activation step also takes place in local tissues. Vitamin D plays a role in most organs and systems of the body. It is hormone-like, known to interact with over 200 different genes, and plays a crucial regulatory role as a metabolic activator for a multitude of metabolic processes. It acts as a “molecular switch” by influencing the expression of multiple genes. Therefore activated vitamin D not only influences bone health, but is involved in supporting the function of the immune system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system and the musculoskeletal system.
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