D3: The Sunshine Vitamin

Vitamin D is an essential fat-soluble nutrient. It’s produced by our skin with sunlight exposure and is found in foods like fatty fish and fish oil.  Low Vitamin D is a fairly common finding in women, especially as we age. Low sunlight exposure, sunscreen, poor absorption and nutrient-deficient diets are to blame for low levels. Let’s delve in to why we even need D3 and the best way supplement!

Benefits of Vitamin D3

Vitamin D’s most recognizable benefit is its effect on bone health. Vitamin D helps absorb calcium from our food and when we don’t eat enough calcium, Vitamin D borrows calcium from our bones. This calcium balance helps support and strengthen the skeletal system and help ward off osteoporosis. But Vitamin D is also involved in so many cellular functions throughout body. Studies demonstrate Vitamin D is capable of improving overall muscle function and thus decreasing falls.  It has wonderful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and even the possibility of being neuroprotective. Research suggests that adequate Vitamin D3 levels may reduce the risk and severity of respiratory infections, autoimmune diseases, and even chronic conditions by supporting immune cells’ proper functioning. Beyond its physical benefits, Vitamin D3 also contributes to mental health. Studies have shown a link between low Vitamin D3 levels and mood disorders such as depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The vitamin’s role in regulating neurotransmitters and influencing brain functions underscores its impact on maintaining a balanced mood.

D3 and K2: A Nutrient Partnership

When supplementing with Vitamin D, it is advised to take cholecalciferol or D3 for faster normalization of vitamin D levels. It’s also best to take Vitamin D with Vitamin K2.  While Vitamin D is efficient at maintaining calcium levels, it doesn’t control where the calcium actually ends up. That’s where K2 steps in and directs calcium to the bones . Thus K2 prevents calcium from accumulating on blood vessels and soft tissues. The D3/K2 partnership not only supports bone strength but also maintains cardiovascular health and even contributes to overall longevity.  Several studies have demonstrated lower blood vessel calcification from vitamin K supplementation. Vitamin K can be found in leafy greens, egg yolk, liver and cheese but many of us don’t get sufficient amounts from diet alone. Both Vitamin K and D3 are fat soluble nutrients, so taking this supplement with a fatty meal can improve absorption.

In conclusion, Vitamin D3 and K2 are multi-faceted nutrients that combine in a partnership to balance our bone health, immune system and cardiovascular system.  Embracing a balanced approach that includes adequate sun exposure, dietary sources, and informed supplementation, if needed, can help harness the remarkable advantages that Vitamin D3 brings to the table.