Vitamin D is necessary for utilization of calcium and
phosphorus and in many ways acts as a hormone. The
two most important forms of Vitamin D are cholecalciferol
(D3), which is derived from our own cholesterol, and
ergocalciferol (D2), a plant analogue derived from the
diet. The cholecalciferol supplied by this product
is synthetic, but its form is identical to that which is
derived from cholesterol and synthesized by sunlight on
the skin. Cholecalciferol Vitamin D is essential
for bone growth and maintenance of bone density.
A dietary deficiency of Vitamin D inhibits the
production of the protein that binds calcium in the
intestines, so that calcium cannot be absorbed even if
there is adequate intake. Deficiencies of Vitamin
D are often found in the elderly and in women who have
low intake of milk and receive inadequate exposure to
sunlight. Vitamin D is potent in minute
quantities; one microgram of cholecalciferol has
40 IU (International Units) of vitamin D activity.
Vitamin D3 is identical to the natural Vitamin D that
is produced in the body with the help of UV
sunlight. Vitamin D2, on the other hand, is merely
an analog of D3 that is found in plants, but it does not
protect the body as completely as D3.
Dosage: The dosing of Vitamin D3 is controversial,
so work with a well-informed natural health professional.
This product is best utilized when taken in divided doses
with fat-containing, low-fiber meals.
Contains 60 capsules of Vitamin D3, 1000 IU per
capsule. Other ingredients: rice flour, sucrose,
dl-alpha tocopherol, corn. Contains soybeans.
Contains corn and rice. This product contains NO
milk, egg, fish, peanuts, crustacean shellfish, tree
nuts, wheat, yeast, or gluten. Contains NO
artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors, or
preservatives.
For further information and scientific references, read
the article about Vitamin D-3 in the NaturoDoc Library.
