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1. Why does the organism need vitamin D3?
Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, plays a crucial role in a number of bodily functions, particularly in the absorption of calcium and phosphate from food, which is essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. In addition, vitamin D3 supports the immune system, muscular system and nervous system. The recommended daily allowance of vitamin D varies according to age, gender and individual health conditions. In Germany, the German Nutrition Society (DGE) recommends a daily vitamin D requirement of 20 micrograms (800 international units, IU) for people from one year of age onwards, unless sufficient vitamin D is produced through exposure to sunlight. This is because the skin can produce vitamin D itself when exposed to sunlight. However, deficiency can occur in the winter months or in people who spend little time outdoors, as sunlight in Germany is often not sufficient to maintain vitamin D levels naturally. Certain population groups may have an increased need. These include, among others, the elderly, pregnant women and breastfeeding women. For example, older people have a reduced ability to synthesize vitamin D in the skin, while pregnant and breastfeeding women have an increased need to support the health and development of the fetus or infant. Vitamin D supplementation may be useful for people who cannot absorb enough vitamin D from sunlight or their diet. However, it is important to avoid overdose, as vitamin D can be toxic in high doses. Symptoms of overdose can include nausea, vomiting, weakness, and serious health problems such as kidney stone formation and calcium deposits in the vessels. Since vitamin D is found in significant amounts in only a few foods - these include fatty fish, liver, egg yolks, and vitamin D-fortified foods - supplementation may be a viable option for many to meet the recommended daily requirement. Finally, it is advisable to have vitamin D levels checked by a blood test if necessary to ensure appropriate dosage when supplementing. In this way, each individual can optimally meet their vitamin D needs and contribute to maintaining their health.
2. What should be considered when taking vitamin D3?
When taking vitamin D3, several aspects should be taken into account in order to achieve optimal effect and minimize possible risks:
- Correct dosage: The dosage of vitamin D3 should be adjusted individually to avoid overdose, which can lead to hypercalcemia (increased calcium levels in the blood) and other health problems. The German Nutrition Society recommends a supplement of 20 micrograms (800 IU) per day for people who are not exposed to enough sunlight. It is important to consult a doctor if a higher dosage is required.
- Monitoring vitamin D levels: Before starting supplementation, it may be useful to have a blood test to determine current vitamin D levels. This will help determine the need for supplementation and set an individually adjusted dosage.
- Taking with fat: Vitamin D is fat-soluble, so taking it with a meal containing fats may improve absorption.
- Drug interactions: Vitamin D can interact with certain medications, including steroids, weight loss drugs, and epilepsy medications. It is important to talk to a doctor or pharmacist about all medications and supplements you are taking.
- Combination with other nutrients: The absorption and utilization of vitamin D is supported by sufficient amounts of magnesium, vitamin K and calcium. A balanced diet or, if necessary, additional supplementation of these nutrients can therefore be useful.
- Regular monitoring: When taking vitamin D3 supplements long-term, it is advisable to have your vitamin D levels checked regularly by a doctor to ensure appropriate dosage and avoid overdose.
- Consider sunlight exposure: The body's production of vitamin D from sunlight exposure varies depending on where you live, the season, time of day, and skin type. These factors should be considered when determining vitamin D3 supplement needs.
3. The combination of vitamin D3 and vitamin K2
The combination of vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 is often recommended because it can work synergistically to support bone and cardiovascular health. Both vitamins play an important role in calcium regulation in the body, helping to ensure that calcium is deposited in the bones where it is needed, rather than in the arteries where it could lead to calcification. Vitamin D3 promotes the absorption of calcium from the gut into the bloodstream. It is crucial for bone health because it helps to achieve and maintain the calcium levels needed for bone building. Without enough vitamin D3, the body cannot effectively absorb calcium from food. Vitamin K2, particularly in the form of menaquinone-7 (MK-7), plays an essential role in activating proteins important for bone health and cardiovascular health. One of these proteins, osteocalcin, helps incorporate calcium into the bones, while another protein, matrix Gla protein (MGP), helps prevent calcium deposits in the arteries. The combination of vitamin D3 and K2 is particularly beneficial because vitamin D3 increases calcium absorption, while vitamin K2 ensures that this calcium is used effectively in the bones while preventing calcium deposition in the vessels. This contributes to healthy bone structure and minimizes the risk of arteriosclerosis, which in turn can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, it is important to find the right balance and not to self-medicate by taking high doses without medical advice, as an overdose of vitamin D3 can lead to high blood calcium levels and excessive intake of vitamin K2 can cause interactions in people taking anticoagulants. A balanced diet, possibly supplemented with targeted supplements after consultation with a healthcare provider, can help maximize the benefits of these vitamins and minimize health risks.
4. Vitamin D3 in the form of dietary supplements
If you want to increase a low vitamin D level with a dietary supplement, you should definitely pay attention to the form of the active ingredient and its origin. To rule out allergies, you should not buy a product based on peanut oil or lanolin (sheep fat). A plant-based alternative is the product made from lichens. Cholecalciferol from lichens is very well tolerated and is used by the body to a high degree. The product should also not contain any chemical additives such as magnesium stearate or microcrystalline cellulose. If you buy a product from Germany, you can be sure that the product was also produced safely and is of high quality.
Our recommendation:
Vitamineule® Vitamin D3 capsules
In our online shop you will find our vitamin D3 capsules from Vitamineule®, which are completely free of artificial additives. Vitamineule® vitamin D3 capsules contain 30,000 IU per capsule in the effective form cholecalciferol from lichen. Each can contains 90 capsules. In addition to fast and free shipping, we offer a voluntary six-month return guarantee for all products.
5. Conclusion: Why does the organism need vitamin D3?
In summary, vitamin D3 plays an indispensable role for the human body and its health. It not only supports calcium absorption in the intestine, which is essential for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth, but also contributes to the normal function of the immune system and has a positive effect on muscle strength. In addition, vitamin D3 is involved in cell division and can therefore contribute to the prevention of certain diseases. Given the limited availability of vitamin D3 from natural food sources and the limited exposure to sunlight in many regions, especially in the winter months, taking vitamin D3 in the form of dietary supplements is a sensible measure to meet individual needs and prevent deficiency symptoms. Supplementation enables a targeted and controlled intake of this important vitamin, which is particularly beneficial for groups at risk for vitamin D deficiency, such as the elderly, people with darker skin, pregnant women, breastfeeding women and those who spend little time outdoors. Vitamin D3 supplements provide a convenient and effective way to ensure the body is getting enough of this essential nutrient without the risks of overdose that could occur with uncontrolled sun exposure or excessive consumption of vitamin D-rich foods. By taking them in a targeted manner, vitamin D levels in the body can be optimized, contributing to improved bone health, strengthening the immune system, and overall better health and well-being.
Further sources:
- Daily oral dosage of vitamin D3 using 5000 TO 50,000 international units a day in long-term hospitalized patients: Insights from a seven year experience
- Vitamin D3 Serum Levels in Periodontitis Patients: A Case-Control Study
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