You have probably heard of lemon vitamin D3 supplements and of people taking fish oil supplements. Fish oil supplements contain vitamin D3, a nutrient that is incredibly important to both bone and overall health.
What Is D3?
The D3 vitamin is remarkable because it is both a hormone and a vitamin. It acts as a vitamin when it binds with calcium for proper absorption. Since it is both a vitamin and a hormone, the effects of D3 on our bodies are widespread. Years ago, scientists simply thought that D3 was essential for the health of bones and teeth, but that has all changed. Once it was uncovered that D3 is also a hormone, scientists found that it plays incredibly important parts in many body functions.
Why We Need D3
Scientists have discovered that vitamin D3 is nothing short of a super nutrient. The exact way in which D3 prevents disease and restores health is still being researched. However, scientists have confirmed that a lack of D3 can help cause the following long list of ailments:
- Obesity
- Type two diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Depression
- Psoriasis
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Kidney stones
- Osteoporosis
- Neuro-degenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's Disease
- Cancer, especially breast, prostate and colon cancers
Additionally, vitamin D3 is believed to play a role in regulating the immune system and reducing the risk of cancer and autoimmune diseases. Vitamin D3 is also said to increase neuro-muscular function, improve mood, protect the brain against toxic chemicals, and reduce pain.
Are You Getting Enough D3?
With such a long list of benefits, you will definitely want to make sure you get enough vitamin D3 in your body. Experts say that vitamin D3 deficiency is somewhat of an epidemic, estimating that 85 to 90 percent of Americans suffer from some sort of deficiency. The problem stems from a lack of sunlight. Our bodies convert sun exposure into vitamin D3, and long winter, plus fears of skin cancer, have Americans getting less and less unprotected sun exposure. Experts say that 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure per day is all that light-skinned individuals will need to ensure they're getting enough D3. Darker-skinned individuals will need around 30 to 40 minutes of unprotected sun exposure per day.
You can also obtain D3 through food sources such as cod liver oil, salmon, mackerel and sardines. However, most Americans do not eat these foods very frequently.
Lemon Vitamin D3
If you live in a very cold place or just can't seem to get out into the sun on a regular basis then you should definitely consider a supplement. There are many great tasting lemon vitamin D3 supplements you can buy. Many of the supplements are lemon flavored fish oils. Here are two high quality brands for purchase:
Toxicity
You can take too much vitamin D3 and overdosing on this vitamin can lead to serious health risks. However, you have to take an absurd amount of vitamin D3 to accomplish this and you should be safe taking the recommended amount listed on any D3 supplement.
Consider Taking D3
Scientists are continually uncovering more and more great benefits of vitamin D3 and finding out more negative repercussions of a D3 deficiency. Surprisingly, most Americans do not get enough of this vital nutrient. Since this is the case, it's probably a good idea for you to consider taking a D3 supplement, but consult your physician first.