Vitamin D is essential for optimal health. You wouldn’t think so, but it plays a big part in maintaining healthy bones, teeth, muscle, and even immune function.*¹ Your body makes vitamin D naturally when the sun hits your skin. But, if you live in areas with less sunlight in the winter, your body may not be making enough!*¹ This means you need a little help to top up your vitamin D levels.

We do get some vitamin D from our diet, but even a well-balanced diet may not provide enough.* Fatty fish is the best the best choice if you’re looking for foods with naturally occurring vitamin D. Egg yolks, and fortified foods like dairy, orange juice, and cereals have a little, too, but not much.¹ This means very few of us are getting the vitamin D we actually need from food alone.* That’s when it’s time for a vitamin D supplement.  

Vitamin D comes in two forms: D2 (ergocalciferol), and D3 (cholecalciferol). Vitamin D3 is most abundantly found in animal-sources while D2 mainly comes from plants and fortified foods. Both D2 and D3 are absorbed in your intestines, and passed through to your liver and kidneys to be processed into a form your body can use.*

Piles of research have shown that vitamin D3 is more effective than vitamin D2 at raising vitamin D levels in your body, so if you’re looking to boost your Vitamin D status, Vitamin D3 is your best bet.^*1

How do you know which dosage is right for you? It’s always best to speak to your healthcare practitioner to find out what your current levels are. A simple blood test can determine if your levels are below the optimal range, and your medical professional will make a recommendation on taking a vitamin D3 supplement.

That’s the down-low on vitamin D. It’s more important than we give it credit for, and it’s a good idea to ensure you’re getting enough.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References
¹ National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin D Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Accessed 3/13/2019.