Vitamin D: The Sunshine Vitamin

The Sunshine Vitamin

Vitamin D refers to a group of fat-soluble secosteroids that play a role in increasing intestinal absorption of calcium, iron, and other essential minerals and nutrients.* Vitamin D is synthesized in the body by converting naturally-present healthy cholesterol via sunshine. There are two types of vitamin D widely used throughout the body: vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol), which can be found in plant-sourced foods, and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), which is often found in fortified food sources (such as milk and cheese) and synthesized in the skin when exposed to sunlight with UVB.*  While both are bioavailable, D3 is the considered the most active form of vitamin D.* The body sends vitamin D3 to the liver to convert it to a substance called 25(OH)D so that it can be sent to the rest of the body as activated vitamin D3 to support a variety of biochemical functions throughout the body, including supporting healthy calcium levels in the blood.*

Why is Vitamin D3 Important?

Vitamin D3 supports a variety of functions throughout the body, including calcium absorption, bone and skeletal health, healthy mood and energy levels, and immune health.*

Vitamin D & Calcium Absorption

Calcium is needed throughout the body to support healthy bones, muscles, teeth and even heart muscles.* Calcium deficiencies can lead to adverse effects such as brittle bones and fractures.* Vitamin D3 helps the body absorb the minerals calcium and phosphorus from foods, both of which may be important for developing the structure and strength of bones and teeth.* Inadequate levels of vitamin D may leave the body depleting calcium from its stores, including bones, which may adversely effect bone health.*

Vitamin D & Immune Health

Beyond its role in the skeletal system, vitamin D may also support immune health.* The immune system defends the body from foreign organisms that may lead to various illnesses, such as the common cold.* Vitamin D plays a role in activating the immune system's T-cells, which are responsible for identifying and defending the body against harmful organisms, to promote immune system health.* Vitamin D has also been linked to antiviral mechanics that make it an important nutrient in defending the body's immune system.*

Vitamin D & Mood

In addition to supporting healthy bones and immunity, vitamin D3 has been studied for its effects on mood and energy.* Adequate exposure to sunlight may help support vitamin D3 levels to support healthy mood and reduce anxiety.* Vitamin D3 may also promote healthy serotonin levels to promote restful sleep to support healthy energy levels and healthy mood.*

Why Supplement Vitamin D3?

Although vitamin D can be stored in the body until needed, it is often difficult to maintain vitamin D levels due to poor absorption and limited availability from food sources, decreased exposure to sunlight, and other environmental factors that can impact vitamin D levels.* According to studies, approximately 20 minutes of sunshine daily with over 40% of skin exposed would be necessary to prevent vitamin D deficiency, and decreased dietary intake and absorption also contributes to vitamin D deficiencies.* That's why supplementation of Vitamin D3 can play an important role in maintaining healthy levels of vitamin D3.*

Vitamin D3 from Nature's Lab 

Nature's Lab is proud to offer the following vitamin D supplements:

Vitamin D3 125 mcg, 180 Capsules

Nature's Lab Vitamin D3 contains 5,000 IU (125 mcg) of bioavailable vitamin D from cholecalciferol. This convenient, one-per-day serving contains 625% daily value of Vitamin D3 to support healthy levels of this crucial nutrient in easy-to-swallow vegetarian capsules.* 

Vitamin D3 Plus, 90 Capsules

Nature's Lab Vitamin D3 Plus contains 5,000 IU (125 mcg) of bioavailable vitamin D with the added benefit of vitamin K2. Vitamin K2 works synergistically with vitamin D3 to activate proteins to guide calcium to bone and teeth where it belongs.* This product contains 90 one-per-day vegetarian capsules.

Shop Our Collection of Vitamin D Supplements!