Also known as "cholecalciferol", Vitamin D3 is derived from animal sources and needed by the body for proper calcium and phosphorus metabolism. It also helps in the proper utilazation of zinc and magnesium. Vitamin D3 is a fat soluble vitamin that functions like a hormone.

Because of its importance in the correct utilazation of these minerals, especially calcium, Vitamin D3 is very important in the support of healthy bone and muscle function. Without Vitamin D3, calcium and phosphorus cannot be absorbed from the small intestine. Calcium and phosphorus are two minerals essential to the proper building and maintenance of your bones.

When the skin is exposed to sunlight, UV light to be exact, a type of cholesterol found in humans (and other animals) is formed into Vitamin D3. But the process doesn't stop there. Vitamin D3 is then transported to the liver where it is converted into 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OHD). 25-OHD is five times stronger than Vitamin D3. 25-OHD then travels to the kidneys, where it changes to 1,25-(OH)2D3, which is actually 10 times stronger than the original Vitamin D3 that began this series of events. If the liver or kidneys are not functioning correctly, this chain of events wil be interrrupted and the stronger, more potent, forms of Vitamin D will not be produced. 1,25-(OH)2D3 is the hormonally active form that actually is metabolized by the body. In its original state, Vitamin D3 does not have any significant biological activity.

It is interesting to note that in people with soft and/or brittle bones, the 25-OHD levels are high, while the 25,25-(OH)2D3 levels are low. A sign that there may be trouble with the liver, the kidneys, or maybe even both.

But more importantly, if a person does not get adequate sunlight to begin this cycle in the first place then the body becomes deficient in Vitamin D3.

Symptoms that may be related to a deficiency of this vitamin that can be seen directly are: nervousness, muscle spasms, leg cramps, and numbness of the extremities.

The more critical symptoms, that you won't see right away are: softening of the bones, bone loss, tooth decay, and compromised immune system.

Unfortunately, due to extenuating circumstances, people are not able to get out into the sunlight. Furthermore, when people do get out into the sun, they are encouraged to wear sun protection with a SPF rating of 15 or higher. Sunscreens, with and SPF of 8 will block synthesis of Vitamin D3 from occuring.

Therefore, it is important to make Vitamin D3 as a part of your dietary supplement regimen. Even if you take calcium for the health of your bones, calcium will not be properly utilized if your body does not have an adequate supply of Vitamin D3.

It is important to note, as with any dietary supplement, you do not want to exceed the recommended amount. Most researchers agree that 1000 IU or 25 UG per day is beneficial to your body, but will not exceed the recommended dosage.

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