Vitamin D3

What is Vitamin D3?

Vitamin D is an unusual vitamin. The body makes it in the skin when exposed to UVB sunlight, and it works in the body much like a hormone. It's only found in a small number of foods, mainly of animal origin, such as oily fish and egg yolks. That's why the UK government advises everyone to consider a daily Vitamin D supplement in autumn and winter. It's also worth checking labels, as Vitamin D is sometimes missing from general supplements and meal replacement products.

What does Vitamin D3 do?

Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system, and researchers have studied Vitamin D and the immune system in detail.

Vitamin D is also an essential nutrient for bone health. Vitamin D contributes to normal absorption and utilisation of calcium and phosphorus, and to normal blood calcium levels. Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and teeth. For children, Vitamin D is needed for normal growth and development of bone.

Researchers have also looked at Vitamin D and heart health.

Sunlight is the main source of Vitamin D, but getting enough sun isn't possible for everyone all year round. Vegan-friendly D3 is available from plant sources such as algae. Vitamin D is fat-soluble, so absorption is improved when you take it with food containing healthy fats.

You may be interested in reading 'How do you know if you're deficient in Vitamin D?', 'Do meal replacement shakes work?' and 'Stevia, Artificial Sweeteners & Insulin Resistance'.