Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) is the form of vitamin D that comes from sun exposure, dietary supplements, and some foods. It aids in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for healthy bones and teeth.
Deficiency of this nutrient can lead to rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults, which causes softened and weakened bones. Low levels can also increase the risk of heart disease and cancer.
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It May Prevent Certain Types of Cancer
Studies have shown that people who are deficient in vitamin D3 may have a higher risk of certain cancers, including skin, colorectal, and prostate cancer. The vitamin D hormone calcitriol inhibits tumor growth, increases differentiation and apoptosis, and decreases proliferation, so boost your health with Vitamin D3.
Epidemiological studies have linked low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), a measure of vitamin D3 in the blood, with an increased risk of cancers including breast, melanoma, prostate, and colon. Vitamin D3 is also thought to prevent cancer through its anti-inflammatory effects.
A recent clinical trial called VITAL found that a high dose of vitamin D3 supplementation, at 4,000 IU per day, reduced the incidence of metastatic colorectal cancer in 139 patients who had already been treated with chemotherapy. The benefits were most noticeable in patients aged 70 and over and those who started the therapy before their cancer diagnosis. Despite this, further research is needed before it’s recommended that everyone routinely takes high doses of vitamin D3 to prevent advanced cancers.
It May Lower the Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Vitamin D, a secosteroid hormone, promotes healthy bones, cancer prevention, and a robust immune system. Its benefits include calcium absorption, which helps strengthen teeth and bones, and bone remodeling, which allows the body to remove old and soft bones and replace them with new, firmer ones.
Those with rheumatoid arthritis often have lower levels of vitamin D than the general population, and low D levels are linked to a higher risk for the condition. However, researchers now say that maintaining proper vitamin D levels can prevent the onset of rheumatoid arthritis, according to a recent study published in Autoimmunity.
During the study, scientists discovered that adding vitamin D to joint fluid samples from inflamed joints had only limited anti-inflammatory effects. The memory T cells in the inflamed joint fluid were not responsive to vitamin D. If these cells could be made responsive, the researchers believe that regular vitamin D supplementation would help prevent rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups.
It May Improve Brain Function
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) can pass the blood-brain barrier, and its receptors are widely distributed in the brain. The vitamin has been shown to improve cognitive function in rats with UCMS-induced cognitive impairment and may also reduce oxidative stress.
In people, a Tufts University study found that higher Vitamin D levels in some brain regions were associated with less decline in cognitive function over time. However, the study was observational, and more research is needed to confirm a direct cause-and-effect relationship between Vitamin D3 levels in the brain and cognitive function.
Many older adults have Vitamin D deficiency due to limited sun exposure and a lack of foods fortified with the vitamin. Adding more sources of Vitamin D3 to the diet is an easy way to help prevent cognitive decline and possibly prevent dementia. The best source of Vitamin D is the sun. It’s important to talk with your doctor before starting any new supplement.
It May Strengthen Teeth and Bones
Vitamin D3 helps your body absorb calcium, vital for healthy bones and teeth. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, according to a 2011 study published in The Journal of the Tennessee Dental Association. Vitamin D3 may also strengthen your immune system, reducing the risk of infections and allergies. People with lower levels of Vitamin D are more likely to develop an allergy, according to a 2019 review published in The British Medical Journal, so getting plenty of sunshine might help prevent seasonal or year-round allergies.
Although the benefits of Vitamin D3 are many, it is essential to remember that this nutrient does not cure all diseases and can only improve your health when paired with a balanced diet. In addition, too much Vitamin D can raise your blood pressure. Speak with your doctor to find out how much Vitamin D you need. You can get this essential nutrient in supplement form, as well as in animal-based foods and fortified products.
