Natures Aid Vitamin D3 1000 IU 90 Capsules

Ingredients (per tablet):
Vitamin D3 - 25µg (1000 IU) (500%NRV)

*NRV = Nutrient Reference Value, IU = international units, μg = microgram

Description:
Vitamin D (also referred to as “calciferol”) is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in foods such as salmon, tuna and swordfish, and is also produced endogenously through a reaction between ulraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight and the skin that triggers vitamin D synthesis. Although exposure to sunlight allows our bodies to naturally produce Vitamin D, a lack of sunlight, especially during the winter months, can result in a drop in your vitamin D levels, impairing the important functions that it plays in your body.

Other than these sources, achieving healthy vitamin D levels is also possible through supplementation. In foods and dietary supplements, vitamin D has two main forms: D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol). Both forms contribute to overall vitamin D levels in the body, yet the most significant difference between them is that vitamin D2 is derived from plants, while vitamin D3 comes from animals. When supplementing, you will most often find vitamin D3 form since it appears to be more effective than vitamin D2 at increasing levels of vitamin D in the blood.

What is the function of vitamin D?
Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption in the gut and maintains adequate concentrations of calcium and phosphate in the blood serum. This enables normal bone mineralisation and pevents low calcium levels, which increases the risk of bone disorders such as osteomalacia and osteoporosis and can result in muscle cramps and spasms respectively.

Vitamin D has multiple roles in the body:
• Promotes healthy bones and teeth
• Supports proper functioning of the immune, brain and nervous system
• Regulates insulin levels and supports diabetes management
• Supports function and cardiovascular health

The recommended daily amount of Vitamin D varies according to age:
Children up to 12 months: 400 IU
1-70 years: 600 IU
70 years+: 800 IU

The maximum daily amount of Vitamin D is 4,000 IU, therefore, people do not need to supplement beyond this dose. However, some individuals such as those with a bone health disorder or those with a condition that interferes with the absorption of vitamin D or calcium (e.g. Chron's disease) may need a higher dose. Always consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking a higher dose than 4,000 IU of vitamin D daily.