More on Vitamin D3

I just keep coming across articles and research on the importance of Vitamin D3 in the diet whether you are a diabetic or not. How exactly does it work? and why is it believed most of us are deficient in vitamin D3?

Some of the benefits of Vitamin D3:

• Supports immune system
• Supports a healthy heart and cardiovascular system
• Promotes healthy energy levels and endurance
• Promotes well being 
• Supports cognitive function and a healthy brain

Vitamin D is the only vitamin that our bodies can manufacture from exposure to sunlight. Lifestyles have changed over the last few decades with less outdoor type jobs and therefore less exposure to sunlight. Many or most of us spend too much time indoors and there is also an emphasis on using sunscreens during any outdoor exposure because of the risk skin cancer.

D3 is a vitamin derived from 7-dehyrocholesterol, however it acquires a hormone like action when converted to1.25-dilhydroxy or calcitriol by the liver and kidneys. As a hormone calcitriol controls, phosphorus, calcium, bone metabolism along with neuromuscular function.

The RDA of Vitamin D is set at very low levels and apparently came into being from what I have read to prevent a very painful bone disease called (osteomalacia) and rickets. The RDA (recommended daily amount) or RDI recommended daily intake is set at between 400-600 IU. Too low a dose of vitamin D3 has also been implicated in symptoms such as back pain, depression, insulin resistance , cancer, and immunity disorders.

Some newer studies have elevated the upper intake limits on vitamin D3 to 10,000UI daily.  I am NOT a doctor and NOT giving medical advice, however I have been taking 5000IU of vitamin D3 for about 5 years now and probably get another 1000-1500IU in my food intake and multi-vitamin supplement.

Following are links I have found to have additional information concerning vitamin D3 supplementation:

LINK to More Info on Vitamin D3

Another link for women on why you need more vitamin D3:

LINK especially For Women On Vitamin D3

Dan

Our own physical body possesses a wisdom which we who inhabit the body lack.  We give it orders which make no sense. 
- Henry Miller