The role of vitamin D3 is essential: it performs many functions in the body. Synthesized in the skin during exposure to UV rays of the sun and brought food, it is the ally of bones and teeth, but also the muscles and the immune system.
The benefits of vitamin D3
Almost 80% of the Western population and almost all the elderly would have a vitamin D deficit. In a 2012 report, the Academy of Medicine recommended increasing the daily vitamin D contribution, recognizing interest preponderant of this vitamin.
What is vitamin D?
Vitamin D is liposoluble, that is to say, it dissolves in fats. It exists in two forms:
Vitamin D2, or ergocalciferol, is synthesized by plants and fungi.
Vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol, is produced by animals. It is in this form that we produce vitamin D in the dermis of our skin under the action of the UVB rays of the sun. Vitamin D3 then undergoes transformations at the level of the liver and kidney to become active, then it is stored in the muscles, the liver, and the fats (adipose fabrics).
Vitamin D3: What is it for?
Vitamin D3 plays an important role in calcification by allowing the good absorption of calcium in the intestinal mucosa, and by increasing the concentration of calcium and phosphorus in the blood. It promotes the fixing of calcium on the bones and contributes to the good mineralization of the skeleton, the joints, and the dentition.
The nervous transmission and the contraction of the muscles also depend on calcium and therefore on vitamin D.
Vitamin D3 is also an ally of our immune system. In winter, vitamin D3 stocks in the body decrease with sunshine.
Vitamin D3 deficit
A lack of vitamin D3 is generally asymptomatic but it can sometimes manifest itself in fatigue, muscle weakness, a drop in morale, cramps, an immune weakness ...
Where do we find vitamin D3?
If vitamin D3 is essentially synthesized by the skin, it is also present in a limited way in certain foods:
fatty fish like mackerel, herring, tuna, salmon, sardine, eel, trout;
oysters and cod liver;
Lowholders, egg yolk, butter, milk, or certain cheeses ...
When to take vitamin D3?
In Canada, the National Nutrition Health Study 2006-2007, shows that 79 % of men and 81 % of women have a blood concentration of vitamin D lower than the optimal threshold. Whatever age, the contribution of vitamin D is essential.
According to ANSES, the most at risk of vitamin D disabilities are infants, the elderly, and pregnant women. Their nutritional supplementation must be supervised by a doctor.
You can also take vitamin D3 to contribute to the proper functioning of the immune system or to maintain its framework, especially in winter.
In what form to take vitamin D3?
Vitamin D is available in different forms (bulbs, drops, capsules, etc.) and in different doses. The SUBLINGUAL ALVITYL® Vitamin D3 spray allows optimal absorption for the whole family. The sublingual availability of vitamin D3 is optimal and its banana aroma is suitable for small ones from 3 years old, as well as older. Consult your pharmacist. For children already supplemented with vitamin D, ask your doctor for advice.