What is Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)? Deficiency Causes and Solutions?

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What is Vitamin D3?

Vitamin D3 also known as cholecalciferol. It is also called “sunshine vitamin” because 80 percent of vitamin D3 is obtained from the sun by your skin. It is produced by  our skin when exposed to sunlight by the reaction of 7-dehydrocholesterol with UVB radiation, present in sunlight with an UV index of three or more. Only 20 percent of D3 is supposed to be obtained from your diet.

Also known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’, vitamin D3 deficiency has now become a global health problem. 9 out of 10 individuals are deficient in vitamin D3. In fact, reports also suggest that over 1 billion people across the globe are affected by this deficiency.

Why are vitamins essential?

Vitamins are essential because they help you perform your regular day to day tasks efficiently. To stay healthy and fit, you need vitamins to boost energy.

You cannot ignore any vitamin deficiency because either your body is unable to make them or it is making them in inadequate amounts, which is ultimately affecting your productivity.

To ensure you are healthy, you can get routine blood tests that indicate all the vitamins and minerals you are lacking. Or you can always resort to having some of the best energy supplement available in the market.

Vitamin D3 Deficiency

What can be the reason for vitamin D3 deficiency?

The following can be the reasons why your skin may not be able to soak sufficient D3 from the sun:

  1.       People with darker skin may be deficient in this vitamin
  2.     If you are elderly, you may be deficient
  3.       Overweight and obese people may suffer from this deficiency
  4.     Vegetarians and vegans who don’t eat fish or dairy products may suffer a deficiency
  5.       People residing far from the equator may be deficient
  6.       If you are someone who does not step out of the house without wearing sunscreen lotion, you may be deficient
  7.       Staying indoors all the time can also lead to a deficiency

 

Symptoms of Vitamin D3 Deficiency

What are the symptoms of vitamin D3?

Most people who are deficient in D3 do not realize their body is lacking something. This is because their symptoms are pretty subtle.

You won’t be able to recognize this deficiency promptly and it may continue to have a negative impact on your energy and productivity.

Here are the signs of vitamin D3 deficiency:

  1.     If you fall sick frequently

If you are deficient in vitamin D3, your body is able to fight viruses and bacteria as effectively. This is because D3 directly works with the cells that can help your body fight infection.

If you are often down with flu, cold, fever, or viruses, low vitamin D can be the reason behind it.

Studies also indicate that deficiency in D3 promoted diseases like pneumonia, bronchitis, and cold.

 

  1.        If you experience fatigue and tiredness all the time

Feeling tired without working hard can be one of the biggest symptoms of vitamin D3 deficiency.

Tiredness and fatigue are two symptoms that most people ignore without contemplating at all.

Extreme fatigue can be a result of very low blood levels, which can negatively impact the quality of life.

One of the best ways to reduce fatigue is by keeping your body healthy. Apart from exercising regularly and eating healthy food, you also need to ensure your body gets all the necessary vitamins and minerals in adequate quantities.

Taking adequate amounts of best vitamin D3 supplements can improve your energy levels.

 

  1.     If you experience body pain 

Vitamin D3 is essential to maintain the health of your bones. Your bones remain healthy if they can absorb adequate amounts of calcium from food products.

D3 is an essential vitamin that helps your body absorb calcium from food products.

Frequent pain in your knees, back, joints, shoulder, etc. can indicate your body is unable to absorb the required calcium from food products.

Several studies indicate there’s a strong relationship between D3 deficiency and chronic lower backaches.

 

  1.     Bouts of depression

Sadly, nobody ever takes a disorder as serious as depression as seriously. Most people shrug it away as something that’s ‘just in your head’.

Among other contributing factors to depression, deficiency of vitamin D3 can also be a cause of depression.

A lot of studies indicate how low blood levels are directly related to depression. A significant study showcased that people who were administered doses of vitamin D3 found visible improvement in their state of depressive.

Therefore, we can say depression is directly associated with low vitamin D levels. A lot of studies also indicate how taking vitamin D3 supplements can improve mood and state of mind.

 

 

Bottom line

Vitamin D3 deficiency is unbelievably common. Since its symptoms are subtle, people might find it difficult to figure out the problem.

Thankfully, vitamin D3 deficiency is easy to overcome. Taking an adequate amount of vitamin D3 supplements can improve your health and productivity.

 

 

 

 

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