VITAMIN D3 Description

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus and facilitates immune system function. Taking adequate amount of Vitamin D is crucial for healthy bones and teeth. Its deficiency can lead to weak bones and skeletal deformities. Vitamin D3, popularly called the sunshine vitamin, is made by our skin after exposure to sunlight. Indoor lifestyles in urban areas in India are leading to inadequate exposure to sunlight. Studies have shown between 40-90% of the Indian urban population is deficient in vitamin D. Therefore, anyone who has insufficient exposure to sunlight should consider taking Vitamin D3 supplements.

Vitamin D3 is present in natural form in very few foods. Our body needs it for bone mineralisation. Foods like fish, liver, egg, milk, and fortified products are a good source of vitamin D3. However, it's sunlight that is an abundant source. Since limited dietary sources contain vitamin D3, a supplement can be a wise option for maintaining good health and preventing its deficiency.

Benefits of Steadfast Nutrition’s Vitamin D3 (2000 IU)

1. Helps absorb Calcium:

Vitamin D3 and calcium are co-related in terms of their absorption. Whenever serum calcium level falls in our body, it results in faster conversion of vitamin D3 to its activated form to absorb calcium. If there is no calcium intake in our diet, then as soon as serum calcium level falls, it will provoke calcium absorption from our bones, depleting bone calcium stock to maintain blood levels. This weakens bones and makes them prone to fractures.

If our calcium intake is appropriate, but vitamin D3 is lacking in our diet, there will be no calcium absorption, leading to weak bones and osteoporosis. 

2. Helps Prevent Bone Demineralisation: 

We need calcium, vitamin D3, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc to maintain bone density. Approximately 80% of the phosphorous in our body is found in our bones and teeth. Activated vitamin D3 helps absorb calcium and phosphorous, helping maintain the mineral content of our bones and teeth.

3. Regulates Immune System:

Our immune system has T-cells, called killer cells of the body. They protect us from foreign bodies as they can differentiate between outside invaders and our own cells. Vitamin D3 strengthens our immune system by regulating T-cells. As soon as they sense the presence of foreign pathogens, “naive” T-cells are transformed into active killer T-cells in the presence of vitamin D3, protecting our body from infections and boosting immunity.

4. Boosts cognitive function:

Low vitamin D3 levels are associated with various psychiatric conditions, mood fluctuations, and depression since vitamin D3 regulates the enzyme that converts the amino acid tryptophan to serotonin- a neurotransmitter affecting our mood and brain development. Hence, optimum vitamin D3 is needed for an active and relaxed mind. 

5. Reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases:

Many research studies have associated a deficiency of vitamin D3 with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and related causative factors. Vitamin D3 gets converted into its active form in the presence of certain receptors and 1-alpha-hydroxylase, produced by various cells, including cardiomyocytes (heart muscle cells). So, vitamin D3 intake is necessary for a healthy heart.

6. Protects Kidney Function:

Prolonged vitamin D3 deficiency can result in chronic kidney disease. Healthy kidneys are rich in vitamin D3 receptors, which help convert D3 to an activated form. In case of vitamin D3 deficiency, the parathyroid gland cannot sense that there is enough calcium and phosphorus in our blood, resulting in over secretion of parathyroid hormone, which drains excess calcium from our bones resulting in weak and fragile bones.

7. Improves Sleep Quality:

Vitamin D3 helps maintain healthy sleep and prevents mood disorders. Several studies have found an association between a lack of vitamin D3 and sleep disorders like insomnia and daylight sleepiness. The underlying reason could be melatonin, which is known to affect sleep patterns and plays a role in synthesising the first form of vitamin D3.

8. Increases Muscle Strength:

A study conducted in California found low vitamin D3 levels lead to fatty skeletal muscles. Fitness freaks or athletes who want to gain lean mass and reduce body fat percentage should ensure they have an optimum intake of vitamin D3 to improve their muscle strength.

What are the constituents of Steadfast Nutrition’s Vitamin D3? 

Each capsule of Steadfast Nutrition’s Vitamin D3 has 2000 IU of cholecalciferol.

Who can take Steadfast Nutrition’s Vitamin D3 supplement?

Experts suggest an intake of 2000 IU of Vitamin D3 per day is sufficient to maintain adequate levels and prevent any deficiency. But people with minimum exposure to sunlight and athletes (more prone to developing deficit levels) can consume 4000 IU of Vitamin D3 a day. Hence, an individual can take a daily dose of 1 to 2 capsules every day depending on their requirement.

1. Steadfast Nutrition’s Vitamin D3 for Athletes:

Vitamin D3 levels affect athletic performance. Various factors like season, weather, indoor or outdoor sports contribute to determining the vitamin D3 level of an athlete. A 2009 study at the Cooper Clinic in Dallas found 75 percent of runners averaging 20 miles a week have low vitamin D3 levels. We would recommend athletes take two capsules of Steadfast Vitamin D3 every day.

2. Steadfast Nutrition’s Vitamin D3 for the Elderly:

The elderly become more prone to developing vitamin D3 deficiency with age. Studies show the vitamin D3's conversion into its activated form on exposure to sunlight decreases with age. If vitamin D3 levels are insufficient, older people will be more prone to developing cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, osteoporosis, and poor immunity. Hence, they are recommended a dosage of 2 capsules of Steadfast Nutrition’s Vitamin D3 supplement a day. 

3. Steadfast Nutrition’s Vitamin D3 for Deficient Individuals:

Vitamin D3 deficiency is prevalent, especially in the Indian population, 70%-90% of whom suffers from vitamin D3 deficiency. With limited or no exposure to sunlight and deficit diets, it is recognised as a public health problem. Two capsules of Steadfast Nutrition’s Vitamin D3 capsule are recommended every day to bring deficient levels to optimum.

4. Steadfast Nutrition’s Vitamin D3 for Maintenance:

We would recommend you consume one capsule of Steadfast Nutrition’s Vitamin D3 a day to save yourself from becoming deficient and prone to the consequences of deficiency.

When should you take Vitamin D3?

The ideal way to consume Steadfast Vitamin D3 is with meals to improve digestion and absorption. One must consult a healthcare professional for dosage and duration of the dose.