Vitamin D - the "sunshine vitamin"

What is Vitamin D and how does it benefit our health and general well-being?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble nutrient. It is one of the 24 micro-nutrients critical for human survival. The sun is the major natural source of the nutrient, but vitamin D is also found naturally in fish and eggs. It is also added to dairy products.

Supplemental vitamin D is associated with a wide range of benefits, including increased cognition, immune health, bone health and well-being. Supplementation can also reduce the risks of cancer, heart disease, diabetes and multiple sclerosis. People deficient in vitamin D may also experience increased testosterone levels after supplementation.

Why is vitamin D referred to as the “sunshine vitamin”?

The body produces vitamin D from cholesterol, provided there is an adequate amount of UV light from sun exposure. There is only a sufficient amount of UV light coming from the sun when the UV index is 3 or higher, which only occurs year-round near the equator. Most people are not deficient in vitamin D, but they do not have an optimal level of vitamin D either. Due to the many health benefits of vitamin D, supplementation is encouraged if optimal levels are not present in the body.

How is vitamin D beneficial for our immunity?

Among other immunity related benefits, Vitamin D appears to act to suppress atherosclerosis by reducing oxidation in macrophages (immune cells) at the level of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Stress at the ER causes an accumulation of lipids and cholesterol, which turn into macrophages and subsequently into 'foam cells', which then contribute to plaque. Vitamin D attenuates this process.

The recommended daily allowance for Vitamin D is currently set at 400-800IU/day, but this is too low for adults. Research suggests that the true Upper Tolerable Intake Level is 10,000IU/day. For moderate supplementation, a 1,000-2,000IU dose of vitamin D3 is sufficient to meet the needs of most of the population. This is the lowest effective dose range. Vitamin D3 supplementation (cholecalciferol) is recommended over D2 supplementation (ergocalciferol), since D3 is used more effectively in the body.

B!TONIC? supplements such as Vitamin D + Zink and 100 % Sunshine help you with optimal Vitamin D intake and strenghthen your immunity.