Posts Tagged ‘vitamin d3’
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.Â
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.
Are You Getting Your Vitamins?
When you’re on the go all the time it’s hard to eat a balanced diet. Unfortunately, this is the case for most busy men and women. When you are too busy to get the vitamins and minerals your body needs. An on-the-go meal plan is likely lacking some of the following important nutrients:
Folate: This acid is essential for new cell development. This acid can be obtained by eating leafy greens, legumes or liver. If you don’t eat those foods often you’ll need to take a daily supplement.
Vitamin D: This vitamin fortifies the bones and aids in maintenance of the brain, pancreas, skin, muscles, reproductive organs and immune system. People who spend a lot of time in the sun may be getting the vitamin naturally, but others holed up in offices all day may needed a supplement.
Chromium: Blood sugar is balanced by this nutrient. Those lacking chromium in their diets may feel unenergetic and sluggish.
Most daily vitamin and mineral supplements will carry folate, vitamin D and chromium.