There are many nutrients needed by the body to be able to function well. These nutrients can be mainly obtained from food coming from a healthy meal but supplements have been available in the market to help a person gain enough nutrients in a day and to cover what is lacking from the daily meal. One of the important nutrients that may have been overlooked by most is vitamin D. The importance of vitamin D is usually neglected until a person becomes an old person and starts to face health problems relating to lack of vitamin D. It is highlighted that there are many benefits of having enough vitamin D3.

            What is actually vitamin D3? Vitamin D3 is actually part of vitamin D. Vitamin D in general exists in two forms, vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. Vitamin D2 is commonly sourced from plants such as mushroom and yeast. Vitamin D3 is typically sourced from animals such as oily fish like salmon and red meat such as beef. Vitamin D3 is also able to be produced by the human body through chemical reactions that occur when a person’s skin is exposed to sunray. Hence, vitamin D3 is also known as the sunshine vitamin. Due to the fact that the human body is capable of producing vitamin D3, supplements of vitamin D in the market have been made to mimic the same components like vitamin D3 as it is more compatible to the human body and efficient in increasing the level of vitamin D in the blood system compared to vitamin D2.

            How much vitamin D3 is enough? Recommended daily intake of vitamin D are 600 to 800 IU. If a person has more than 4000 IU of vitamin D, the probability of facing side effects is high. Side effects include heart and kidney impairment. It can be concluded that taking vitamin D3 according to such recommendations should be enough to fulfil the daily body needs for such vitamin. If a person is planning to get vitamin D3 from supplements, cautions need to be exercised especially those who have underlying chronic illness or on other medications. For this group, it is best to discuss with their healthcare provider before proceeding with any health supplements.

            Thus, what are the benefits of having enough vitamin D3? In short, there are many and the best thing is a person that is able to make sure they have enough of the vitamins, has high chances of having a fulfilling life. Benefits includes:

1-    A strong bone and teeth.

Vitamin D3 helps prevent bone pain and prevents bone from being fragile especially in old people. Vitamin D3 works by helping the bone to absorb the calcium and lack of the vitamin can easily lead to calcium being wasted.

2-    Less risk for falls and fractures.

The elderly are at high risk for falls and fractures since they are prone to have weak bones and low muscle strength. An old person with enough vitamin D3 may be able to prevent such episodes.

3-    Better respiratory health.

Studies show lung function is greatly improved when a person has enough vitamin D3 especially those with existing respiratory disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or those with a history of smoking. A person is less likely to get respiratory tract infection (RTI) after taking vitamin D3 daily.

4-    Strong immunity.

Vitamin D3 has been known to help facilitate the immune system. Strong immune system means a person will have fewer sick days.

5-    Healthy mood.

Vitamin D3 helps to regulate mood and helps to reduce risk for developing depression and anxiety symptoms.

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