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Vitamin D3
What is vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. It is not a classic vitamin because the body can produce it itself when exposed to sufficient sunlight. Vitamin D regulates calcium and phosphate levels, thereby contributing to the maintenance of normal bones. It also plays a role in other metabolic processes and influences muscle function.
What is the difference between vitamin D2 and vitamin D3?
A distinction is made between vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 depending on where they occur. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is typically found in animal-based foods, while vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is mainly found in plant-based sources. Vitamin D3 is better absorbed by the body and therefore has a higher bioavailability. This form is therefore often found in dietary supplements. However, many of these supplements are not vegan and are usually derived from lanolin (wool wax). But there is now also a vegan production method: the vitamin D3 in our nutri+ vitamin D supplements, for example, comes from lichen.
Why does the body need vitamin D3?
Vitamin D...
- plays a role in cell division
- contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system
- contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth
- contributes to the maintenance of normal muscle function
- contributes to the maintenance of normal bones
- contributes to normal blood calcium levels
- contributes to normal absorption/utilization of calcium and phosphorus
Are there foods with a high vitamin D content?
It is difficult to obtain sufficient vitamin D through diet alone, as the vitamin is only found in a few foods. The exceptions are fatty fish such as herring or salmon, egg yolks, and some edible mushrooms. In Germany, only 2-4 µg of vitamin D are consumed daily through food, which corresponds to about 10-20% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin D.
What happens when there is a vitamin D deficiency?
A vitamin D deficiency is particularly noticeable in the bones. In infants and children, a deficiency leads to demineralization of the bones, causing the bone structure to deform. This is known as rickets. In adults, this bone disease is known as osteomalacia.
In addition, an insufficient supply of vitamin D increases the risk of osteoporosis. Non-specific symptoms can also indicate a deficiency. These include frequent infections, mood swings, reduced muscle strength, and fatigue.
However, the majority of the German population does not have an acute vitamin D deficiency. Nevertheless, almost 60% of Germans do not have an adequate supply of vitamin D.
Are there risk groups for deficiency?
People who are exposed to little sunlight (e.g., in winter, indoors, or for cultural/religious reasons) are among the risk groups. Older people have a higher risk of deficiency, as vitamin D production decreases significantly with age. People with strong skin pigmentation are also at greater risk. This is because the lighter the skin, the more vitamin D can be produced. Infants are also at risk of deficiency, as breast milk has a low vitamin D content and they should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Therefore, vitamin D supplementation makes sense, especially for the risk groups mentioned above and during the dark months of the year.
Please note: Sunscreens inhibit the body's production of vitamin D. Depending on your vitamin D supply, it may therefore be advisable to take a vitamin D supplement all year round. This should be discussed with your doctor. A vitamin D test is inexpensive and can give you a good overview of your vitamin D status.
How much vitamin D should I take per day?
The estimated value for an adequate vitamin D intake in the absence of the body's own production is 20 µg per day. This estimated value applies to all age groups, except for infants up to 12 months of age, for whom the value is 10 µg per day.
How much sunlight does the body need to produce sufficient vitamin D?
Vitamin D production in the skin through UVB radiation depends on factors such as latitude, clothing, weather, season and time of day, skin type, and sun protection. Therefore, individual vitamin D production can vary greatly. As a rough guide: in Germany, during the summer months, it is usually sufficient to expose your skin to the sun for about 15 minutes a day between 12 noon and 3 p.m. while wearing shorts and a T-shirt.