INFORMATION ON VITAMIN D3 (CHOLECALCIFEROL)

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) is one of five forms of Vitamin D, a group of fat-soluble vitamins.

Vitamin D3, although classified an essential vitamin, can be synthesised by the body and functions as a prehormone, as it aquires hormone-like actions when converted to its active form, Calcitriol. As a hormone, Calcitriol regulates enzyme synthesis and calcium, phosphorus and bone metabolism as well as neuromuscular function.

Referred to as the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D3, is naturally obtained through sunlight and dietary consumption.

Vitamin D3 is primarily used to increase absorption of calcium, and prevent osteoporosis, which causes brittle, weak bones. Besides its role in calcium absorption and transport, it helps to balance the minerals necessary for bone growth and function. It has long been associated with Rickets, a condition affecting the development of bones in children.

With vitamin D3 receptors present in most organcells in the body, it is suggested that vitamin D3 is involved in a wide range of responses.

Evidence illustrated the protective effects of vitamin D on immune and neural cells, and Vitamin D deficiency, has been associated to being a risk factor, for various brain diseases. It has also been linked to conditions such as depression, cancer, musculoskeletal disorders, insulin resistance and pre-eclampsia during pregnancy, impaired immunity and macular degeneration.

Vitamin D3's ability to improve cognition and mental function, is receiving increased appreciation from scientists. It has been connected to psychiatric and neurlogic disorders, with studies linking impaired cognitive performance and low mood, to vitamin D3 deficiency.

Possible lowering of the risk for developing heart disease, through supplementation with Vitamin D, is still being researched.

How it works:

Vitamin D is made by the body through skin exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays.

A cholesterol-like compound, is changed first to a precursor to vitamin D, and after to vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol. Cholecalciferol is inactive and is activated by enzymes from the liver and kidneys. It is converted to its active form Calcitriol, which functions as a hormone.

Active vitamin D acts by entering cells and binding to a protein, called the vitamin D receptor (VDR), located in the  cellnucleus, where the genetic material is found.

The combination of Calcitriol and its receptor, stimulates protein production in the cell, which regulates the way the body works.

Vitamin D receptors are present in most tissues, including the brain, heart, skin, reproductive organs, as well as the cells of the immune system, suggesting a wide variety in the types of biological responses it can promote.

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