Posts Tagged ‘vitamin d’
Vitamin Variations
As you probably know, all vitamins come in several forms. Vitamin D, for example, has D1 through D5 variations, and most of these have at least a couple of different possibilities for their chemical composition. Vitamin D3 is available in three different forms:
Cholecalciferol: Is an inactive form of vitamin D3, similar in structure to testosterone, cholesterol and cortisol.
Calcifediol: This is the form that is measured during a blood test and is the hydroxylated form of cholecalciferol.
Calcitriol: Once calcifediol has been hydroxylated, it turns into calcitrol, which is the most active vitamin D3 hormone
An Overview of Vitamin D
Although our body produces vitamin D when we are exposed to sunlight, many of us still have deficiencies-especially if you live in mild or temperate climates. There are several variations of vitamin D, but D2 and D3 are the most relevant to humans. Vitamin D3 is also referred as cholecalciferol and is classified as a secosteroid, which is a molecule structurally similar to a steroid.
Vitamin D3 can be broken down into three categories, but calcitriol is the active form. Regulation of metabolism and other essential functions are made possible through vitamin D and a deficiency can affect these processes and heighten the risk of other diseases. If you have a deficiency, you best bet is to begin taking some sort of vitamin D3 supplement.
Ladies, Get Your Daily Dose of Calcium
As women age, their bones become fragile and brittle and maintaining bone health is crucial. Osteoporosis is a legitimate threat, and its prevention should be foremost in one’s mind. Once this bone disease is allowed to proliferate, it weakens and reduces bone mineral density considerably. The net result is that bones are much more susceptible to fracturing. Although exercise regimens and drinking milk can have something of a positive effect, they are often not enough.
The real key is to provide the body with sizable doses of calcium and vitamin D. In order to maximize absorption of calcium, it’s best to take a few small doses each day. Additional preventative measures, such as shoring up tub mats and reducing the likelihood of slipping and falling, can make a sizable impact as well. Still, calcium supplements remain the most effective way to combat osteoporosis down the road.