Vitamin D3 is produced by the body when exposed to sunlight and is important for regulating calcium and phosphorus levels. It may also protect against high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and some cancers. Darker skin requires longer exposure to sunlight, and sunscreen can hinder absorption. Vitamin D3 supplements are found in animal products like cod oil.
Vitamin D cholecalciferol, also known as vitamin D3, is one of two types of vitamin D. The body can make its own vitamin D3 when bare skin is exposed to direct sunlight, and vitamin D is important for the ability to of the body to regulate many functions, such as healthy levels of calcium and phosphorus. Although it is possible to overdose on vitamin D2 supplements, it is almost impossible to get too much D3 through exposure to sunlight, even though large amounts of vitamin D cholecalciferol are generated this way.
Since its main function is to regulate the levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood, vitamin D is essential for the body. There is evidence that it may also work to protect the body from high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and some types of cancer. Vitamin D has also been credited for maintaining a healthy mood and warding off depression.
There are two types of vitamin D: vitamin D2, also known as ergocalciferol, and vitamin D3 known as cholecalciferol. Vitamin D2 is produced by plants and obtained by humans through the diet. Cholecalciferol is different from any other vitamin because the human body can synthesize its own through exposure of bare skin to direct sunlight. Although they come from different sources, both types of vitamin D have much the same function in the body.
Many people can get all the vitamin D cholecalciferol they need by exposing their bare arms and legs to the sun for 10 to 15 minutes, however, the darker the skin, the longer it takes to get the same results. Dark-skinned individuals may even require several hours of exposure time to synthesize the necessary amount of vitamin D. It is important to note that sunscreen can hinder or completely prevent the absorption of vitamin D, so sunscreen It should be applied after completing the recommended time of exposure to the sun. Northern climates can experience a “vitamin D winter,” in which sunlight can be too weak during the winter months for people to produce vitamin D cholecalciferol even after exposure to direct sunlight.
People can produce between 3,000 and 20,000 IU of vitamin D cholecalciferol after adequate exposure to sunlight. Although this is well above the recommended daily allowance of 2,000 IU of vitamin D for adults, this substance is easily processed by the body and this amount will not lead to an overdose. However, an overdose of vitamin D ergocalciferol is possible. Vitamin D2 is the type of vitamin D obtained through the diet and is found in most supplements. When consuming vitamin D supplements, the RDA of 2,000 IU per day should not be exceeded.
Although vitamin D supplements most often come in the form of vitamin D2, it is also possible to find D3 supplements. Living creatures generate vitamin D cholecalciferol upon exposure to sunlight, and therefore many animal products contain vitamin D3 instead of D2. Cod oil supplements, for example, are a popular way to get this substance.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
