One may passionately agree that supplements are a backup plan, if the 3 main meals consumed are not prepared with the most nutritional ingredients. Such as the usual culprits; fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and fish (or just fish if you are pescatarian). Some of us may even accept that elevating certain minerals, vitamins may aid in treating signs of deficiency, which they may be responsible for.
However, supplementation is not always the quick cure to unwanted symptoms.
In terms of vitamin D3 (calciferol), the short answer is: YES. That is if the body’s own production of vitamin D3 (in the skin) and thus body stores are lacking (not enough). We make our own vitamin D3, mainly in the skin via presence of UVB rays given to us by the sun. In the UK, 40% are deficient in D3. Especially in winter, where the UVB rays are lacking and the body relies on its stores. It is known that there is 57% (~ 3/5) greater risk of death from all causes for individuals with a lack of D3. So yes, D3 is crucial to one’s health.
Contents
Who Is Likely To Be Deficient In Vitamin D3?
It is more beneficial to supplement D3 if you are:
- Experiencing bacterial and/or viral infections (COVID-19, Common Cold, E.coli/Staphlococcus aureus related infections): Weakening immune system
- Pregnant (lactating).
- Elderly
- Display D3 Deficiency related symptoms.
- Those lacking consumption of oily fish: Vegetarians, Vegans and those that don’t enjoy eating fish.
What Are The Signs Of D3 Deficiency?
Fatigue:
Vitamin D3 is produced to give energy, thus lack of D3 results in fatigue.
Optimal skeletal muscle functioning is significantly reduced, due to the low levels of vitamin D and its receptors.
Aching Bones:
Lacking in D3 may soften one’s bones, and soft tissue are not replaced; leading to Osteomalacia.
Osteomalacia:
Soft bone tissue is not replaced and this condition occurs after epiphysis closure.
Painful muscles
This is due to fatigue and reduced muscle function.
Mood:
Feeling depressed is a usual sign of D3 deficiency in which there are reduced levels of mono-amines produced. Such as the happy chemical serotonin and feel good dopamine. Vitamin D3 aids in production of these chemicals.
What Are The Daily Supplement Requirements?
Vitamin D3 supplements: Beneficial as a whole, but if your symptoms persist after consumption then hospital / GP advice is recommended for your safety. 4000 IU/day of D3 is highly advised for the average person!
IT IS HIGHLY ADVISED TO CONSUME 4000 IU/day of D3 SUPPLEMENTS FOR ADULTS, 1-2000IU FOR CHILDREN
The reasons why the better supplements include a slight elevated quantity of vitamin D3, is that a portion quantity of D3 is removed from your body via urination.
10 µg is enough for most of us. However for some with a slightly worse sign(s) of D3 deficiency, it may be better to take 4000 IU amount per day of supplements.
Consuming More Than 4000 IU/day of D3 Is Safe For Who?
If you weigh more than average, and/or take pre-consumption of medications (nicotine, Anti-epilepsy). Ergo, greater Vitamin D3 consumption (+5000IU) is much more advised for these individuals only.
As for general reasoning: it is highly safe to consume more than 5000IU of Vitamin D3.
Key Sources For Vitamin D3 Toxicity: It is highly safe to consume greater amounts of D3 (+5000IU)
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3798924/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5980613/
Medical Caution:
Too much of a good thing can be detrimental to one’s health status. So consume the daily requirements via supplementation and if symptoms persist, then seek medical advice from your local GP. If other treatments are required for you if your D3 levels are healthy, only GP/ local hospital will treat this for you.
The information provided within this post is accurate with credible and reputable sources. However, if the signs of deficiency are highly severe, then take further expert advice from your local hospital, GP. Stay Safe!
Other Functions Of Beneficial D3 To Combat Risks Of D3 Deficiency:
Calcium and phosphate ions are highly absorbed by the intestines. Additionally, bone mineralisation mediated by Osteoblasts within the bone structure require vitamin D3. This identifies the importance of bone health given to us by vitamin D3.
If there are issues in the process which occurs after epiphsis closure, this adult condition is known as Osteomalacia. If the disrupted process occurs before epiphysis closure, thus in children, the condition is what we know as Rickets. Thus, vitamin D3 is highly regarded as a vitamin to promote one’s health, especially in terms of Osteopathy.
Other risks to Those With Vitamin D3 Deficiency include:
Greater risk of autoimmune diseases, renal osteodystrophy (bone disease affects kidneys Ca2+ and PO4- maintenance) and elevated susceptibility to viral infections.
Such as the common cold, flu and COVID-19
Too much of a good thing can be detrimental to one’s health status.
Too much vitamin D can lead to over build up of calcium, leading to vomiting and problems with the kidneys. Why?
Kidney Issues Reasoning: Inactive cholecalciferol (D3) is absorbed in the skin and travels to the liver as calcifediol (also known as calcidiol). This calcifediol is converted to active calcitriol within the kidneys. This process aids in calcium absorption. Disrupted process, thus patients with greater D3 show signs leading to kidney and liver failure.
The Metabolic Pathway Of Vitamin D (Calciferol)
Via UVB rays presence, 7–dehyrocholesterol (skin producing vitamin D) is stored as vitamin D3. D3 is hydroxylated in the liver by the aid of 25a-hydroxylase to calcidiol (25-hydroxycholecalceferol). 1a-hydroxylase transports calcidiol to the kidneys to produce 1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol.
2021 Update: FAQ’s On Vitamin D- via Forums and Direct Messages
Vitamin D Prevents Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is the world's 2nd biggest killer. Recent study shows nearly 81.8% of breast cancer women postmenopausal (55.6% of total individuals including control and non-cancer patients) are deficient in vitamin D.
A breakthrough study shows (VDR) Vitamin D Receptors, intranuclear and cytoplasmic, found to be highly expressed in invasive breast tumours, thus associated with favourable prognostic factors. Hazard ratios 0.56 (95%, CI 0.34–0.91) and 0.59 (0.30–1.16) respectively. Ergo, lower risk of death from breast cancer if vitamin D levels are high.
Huss et Al study also identified lower expression of Ki67 (prognostic indicators for biopsy assessments of metastatic cancer ).
Machado, Murilo Renato Matos et al. “Low pretreatment serum concentration of vitamin D at breast cancer diagnosis in postmenopausal women.” Menopause (New York, N.Y.) vol. 26,3 (2019): 293-299. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000001203
Huss, L., Butt, S.T., Borgquist, S. et al. Vitamin D receptor expression in invasive breast tumors and breast cancer survival. Breast Cancer Res 21, 84 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13058-019-1169-1
Why do GP's prescribe D2 instead of D3, when it is known that D3 is 2x more effective?
First of all, D3 is 2x more effective than D2. cholecalciferol (D3) is more effective in raising and maintaining vitamin D levels in your bloodstream.
Secondly, doctors usually prescribe D2 as it is cheaper to produce, as it is plant sourced. Cheaper to produce, downside is that more of D2 is needed to achieve the same results that D3 gives.
So ask your doctor why Dr gave you D2 not D3, when the Dr knows that D3 is more effective? Money talks. D3 can be supplemented for much cheaper, and that it can be found in foods and the sun.
Unless you have issues with your kidneys, which you don't as your results don't say otherwise, D3 is much more effective in absorption into the blood, and quite frankly equal if not much better in metabolism and efficacy.
Stomach pain after vitamin supplements?
First of all, take the D3 4000iu a day, with a full glass of water. That is a must. Not a sip, but a whole glass of water. Many have told me through forums and messages, that they sip water. No sipping, drink a whole glass of refreshing water. Stay hydrated throughout the day is essential. Whether you're supplementing or not. Now coming back to cramps.
Hypercalcaemia- higher levels of calcium in the blood. If you're taking 4000iu a day, then this is not an issue. If you are taking a lot more, then it can lead to loss of appetite, cramps, IBS related symptoms. As in, +6000iu a day. Make sure it is D3. It is great that you are consuming with food/ not on an empty stomach.
In order to distinguish between IBS related symptoms and High calcium in blood, try and not be stressed. Stress is the ultimate culprit for stomach pain and cramps. It may not even be vitamin D3 as the issue. Avoid foods that trigger cramps. Consume less milk, cheeses, foods that contain high calcium. And finally and most importantly, drink lots of water.
Can you take Magnesium with D3?
Yes, of course. Magnesium works together with vitamin D.
Yes, with max dose of 350mg per day for adults.
Magnesium promotes heart / bone/ brain health,
Advice is to take a blood test, to make sure you are not magnesium deficient. That way, D3 can work well in conjunction with magnesium. Magnesium deficiency will not give any benefit from vitamin D3. So take a blood test to make sure you're not wasting D3 and that you are not magnesium deficient.
Can I take B12 with D3?
There is no benefit. You are wasting your money on B12 supplements. Stick with D3 only and Magnesium if after blood test, you are magnesium deficient.
New symptoms of Vitamin D3 deficiency?
Burning tongue, burning mouth. Stress. Hair loss.
What does taking Vitamin D do?
Essential for the immune system to fight against bacteria, viruses, environment and disease causing changes (cancer). Reduces risk to many diseases, including breast cancer, multiple sclerosis and many cancers. Even reduce the risk of Alzheimer's association, improve and/or prevent osteoarthritis.
Fantastic for skin health and stronger bones! Helps with hair loss!
What foods are highest in Vitamin D3?
Salmon: wild type with 988 IU per 100g serving (USDA data), farmed salmon 250 IU per serving.
Rainbow Trout farmed: 645 IU per serving.
Canned Sardines: each can with 177 IU.
Canned tuna: 268 IU per 100g serving.
Eggs : 1 egg = 37 IU
1 glass of milk/soy milk= 115–130 IU
Cereals, oatmeals.
How can I increase my Vitamin D level?
Supplements. 4000iu of D3 per day is recommended.
Consume foods high in vitamin D3.
Enjoy the sun, and reduce stress.
Which Vitamin D is best?
Vitamin D3-.known as cholecalciferol. 4000 IU (100mcg) per day supplements recommended.
Is 2000IU of Vitamin D safe?
Of course, as long as it is D3. It is actually ideal to take 2x as much. 4000 IU daily.
What are the signs of low vitamin D?
Symptoms of fatigue, stress, weak, lack of energy. Even IBS related symptoms
Does Vitamin D3 make you Gain Weight?
Short answer, NO. Actually, higher obese patients have low vitamin D levels. Also, limited evidence to suggest weight gain. So No, no need to worry about weight gain, you ladies out there.
How long does it take to correct a Vitamin D deficiency?
2 months with 4000IU D3 daily, or 4 months with 2000IU D3 daily. Not recommended to go higher than 5000IU of D3 daily.
Are there any side effects when taking vitamin D?
Children under 9, are not to be taking vitamin D3 supplements.
Older children and adults: can have nausea, stomach cramps if not taken with plenty water.
Overdose (taking more than 4000 IU of D3 if not overweight or older): difficulty breathing, weight loss, vomiting, bone pain.
Make sure to drink plenty of water with any supplements and medications.
Does Vitamin D make your hair grow?
Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to alopecia (spot baldness). So yes, it helps with hair loss. For hair growth, more studies need to be done to understand the correlation reasonings further. Great for hair!
Does Vitamin D make you loosen your stools?
No, but lack of vitamin D in your blood has shown to be associated with rotaviral diarrhea.
Vitamin d3 overdose can give diarrhea, constipation and/or stomach pain.
Conclusion:
Vitamin D3 is beneficial to supplement. It is more effective for children, pregnant, elderly and adults with signs of deficiency. With the latter, as soon as the signs are improving, then it is highly advised to stop popping the vitamin D supplements (links below). However, too much of a good thing can in fact do more harm than good. So stay within the requirements, if the issue persists (which in most cases it does not) then visit your local GP or hospital. Also, it is safe to take +5000IU of D3 supplements. So Not to worry!
Don’t forget to comment below and share this blog (below icons if on mobile or on the side if on the laptop) to friends and family, it will be greatly appreciated by me and your loved ones. Stay D3 Balanced!
ADDITIONAL SOURCES and Recommended Products:
VITAMIN D3 SUPPLEMENTS:
Vitamin D3 4000IU 1 whole year supply: For only £7
My choice: Premium and vegetarian UK manufactured and over a year of supply: £7
COVID-19 and Vitamin D3:
BMJ 2020; 371 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.m3872 (Published 05 October 2020)
Vitamin D3 Metabolic Pathway:
Bikle D. D. (2014). Vitamin D metabolism, mechanism of action, and clinical applications. Chemistry & biology, 21(3), 319–329. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chembiol.2013.12.016
40% UK are deficient:
I just read the article and it is well written. It is easy to understand and I will most certainly share this page to my friends and family. I will make my family take vit D pills and thanks SAF for the products links.
Thank you Mohammad Ibrahim. I am grateful that you and your family enjoyed my informative yet easy to understand post on vitamin D and benefits. Thank you for using the product links. The vitamin D company has given me discount for the readers of this blog. Stay safe!
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