Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is one of the most important vitamins for the body, without which many functions are impossible. Learn more about this important element of health.
Vitamin D3 (another name is cholecalciferol) is a biologically active substance necessary for the proper functioning of the body. Belongs to a group fat soluble vitamins.
Cholecalciferol enters the body together with food, and also produced in skin cells. A prerequisite for synthesis is exposure to medium-wave ultraviolet radiation (spectrum B). Initial the material is tetracyclic hydrocarbons.
Vitamin D3 is deposited in the subcutaneous tissue, and then gradually used in the process of life.
Vitamin content is measured in IU (international units): 1 IU=0.025mcg, 40 IU=1mcg.
Age group |
Daily Value, IU |
Babies |
400 |
Adults, children over one year old |
600 |
Elderly people |
800 |
Pregnant and lactating women |
1000 |
Cholecalciferol ensures the proper functioning of all body systems:
Controls calcium-phosphorus metabolism - Improves the absorption of phosphorus and calcium from food, maintains the optimal content of these elements in the blood. Calcium takes participation in the synthesis of bone tissue, gives strength and hardness to bones, accelerates fusion of fractures, prevents caries. The lack of this macronutrient causes fragility of nails, contributes to the destruction of teeth and the development of gum pathologies, negatively affects the general condition of hair and skin.
Supports metabolism - Normalizes clotting blood capacity, improves carbohydrate absorption, increases insulin sensitivity, stimulates regenerative processes in the nerves, increases the sensitivity of the nervous system, prevents the formation of cholesterol plaques, inhibits the growth of malignant tumors.
Strengthens innate and acquired immunity - Activates immune cells, increases body resistance to pathogenic bacteria and viruses, facilitates the fight against inflammation, prevents the occurrence of skin diseases (eczema, psoriasis). Renders beneficial effect on breathing, facilitates the treatment of pneumonia.
Benefits of vitamin D3 for children
Cholecalciferol is especially important for a growing child organism:
- forms bones, ligaments, teeth;
- maintains muscle tone;
- at the cellular level, strengthens the protective skin abilities;
- prevents rickets and developmental pathologies;
- minimizes the likelihood of obesity and diabetes mellitus (including juvenile form);
- increases resistance to viral diseases.
The following signs indicate a vitamin D3 deficiency:
- apathy, tearfulness, nervousness;
- quick fatigue;
- deterioration in the quality of sleep (superficiality, discontinuity);
- excessive sweating;
- weakening of muscle tone;
- baldness in the occipital region.
In the absence of timely diagnosis and adequate treatment of beriberi calcium and phosphorus are washed out of the bone tissue. As a result, it changes the structure of the bones and the skeleton is deformed, which leads to the development of rickets.
Evidence of excess cholecalciferol are:
- pain in the abdomen;
- nausea, vomiting, digestive disorders;
- worsening of appetite;
- excessive and frequent urination;
- convulsions, muscle spasms;
- irritability.
Symptoms of overdose are non-specific. Therefore, when the occurrence of the above symptoms, you need to undergo a comprehensive examination to rule out other pathologies.
Vitamin D3 for women's health
In the body of women, cholecalciferol:
- stabilizes hormones;
- regulates lipid metabolism, normalizes weight;
- prevents the development of osteoporosis in menopause;
- reduces the likelihood of atherosclerosis, circulatory pathologies systems;
- strengthens the immune system, helps the body effectively resist various (including sexual) infections;
- strengthens bones, nails and teeth;
- improves the condition of the skin and hair.
It is especially important to exclude vitamin D3 deficiency in pregnant women women, as this element ensures proper intrauterine development child.
The following signs will help to suspect hypovitaminosis:
- frequent migraines;
- high blood pressure;
- deterioration of the general condition of the skin;
- bone fragilityth and nails, crumbling of teeth;
- muscle and joint pain;
- sleep disorder;
- Chronic fatigue
A chronic lack of vitamin D3 can:
- cause degenerative processes in the bones and joint inflammation;
- lead to weight gain;
- to cause the development of diabetes, cardiovascular, dermatological and cancer diseases.
Excess cholecalciferol is accompanied by:
- blueness of the skin;
- strong thirst;
- frequent and profuse urination, especially at night;
- malfunctions in the digestive system;
- rigidity (stiffness) of muscles;
- joint ache;
- slimming;
- weakening of the immune system.
Systematic hypervitaminosis can disrupt the outflow bile, cause the development of urolithiasis.
Vitamin D3 for men's health
In the male body, cholecalciferol:
- Stabilizes testosterone levels. vitamin D3 is bad calcium is absorbed and the concentration of the male hormone testosterone decreases, due to which impairs sexual function. To fix the problem, it is enough replenish the content of the vitamin in the body.
- Increases muscle volume and increases muscle strength. Thanks to cholecalciferol, neuromuscular conduction is enhanced, fat reserves are consumed faster, there is an intensive set of muscle masses.
- Stimulates erectile function and prevents impotence. Vitamin D3 has antioxidant effect and increases the concentration of nitric oxide in the blood, which contributes to expansion of blood vessels. Additionally improved rheological properties blood (viscosity, fluidity, clotting, hematocrit). With a sufficient content of cholecalciferol in the body the risk of sexual dysfunctions developing as a result of vascular disorders.
Sources of cholecalciferol
There are 3 known ways of getting vitamin D3 into the blood:
- synthesis in the body;
- assimilation from products;
- uptake from dietary supplements and vitamin and mineral complexes.
Vitamin synthesis
In order for the body to produce cholecalciferol in the right amount, it is enough to be under the sun every day for a quarter of an hour.
It is important to take into account several factors:
- cloudy and shade lower output cholecalciferol by 60%;
- Clothes, sunblock creams, thick cosmetics completely block the synthesis;
- Mid-wave ultraviolet rays cannot go through the glass.
Oddly enough, but quite often, hypovitaminosis is observed in Africans. This situation is explained by the fact that people are constantly hiding in shadow.
Receipt with products
The main source of cholecalciferol is animal products origin, especially fatty fish (salmon, tuna, sardine, mackerel, catfish).
Product |
Daily allowance for adults, kg |
Salmon |
0.15 |
Cod |
0.85 |
Chicken yolk |
2,1 |
Herring |
3,3 |
Meat, dairy products |
more than 4 |
Therefore, only fish fatty varieties is able to fully satisfy the body's need for vitamin D3. Therefore, it is not surprising that vitamin D3 hypovitaminosis is extremely rare. diagnosed in the inhabitants of northern countries (Greenland, Norway, Iceland). The increased content of salmon fish in the diet compensates for the lack of solar days.
NSP Vitamin & Mineral Supplements
They can provide the body with a daily dose of vitamin D3 relevant dietary supplements:
- Supplements that strengthen bones. In addition to vitamin D3, contain calcium and other ingredients involved in the synthesis of bone tissue.
- Vitamins that support immunity. They raise resistance to pathogenic microorganisms and adverse factors environment.
- Complex dietary supplements. Designed for specific groups (for children, men, pregnant women), differ in composition.
All dietary supplements contain vitamins and mineral elements in optimal concentration and in an accessible form for assimilation. They are produced in tablet form. and encapsulated form, as well as in the form of solutions.