It may be the 4th letter in the alphabet, but Vitamin D3 is moving up on the list of important supplements to keep us healthy.  This vitamin is different because cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) is a vitamin derived from 7-dehyrocholesterol,  but, Vitamin D3 acts as a hormone when cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) is converted to 1,25-dihydroxy Vitamin D3 (Calcitriol) by the liver and kidneys. As a hormone, Calcitriol controls phosphorus, calcium, and bone metabolism and neuromuscular function.

Nature's Sunshine, for those not familiar with them, produce the highest quality herbal, vitamin, mineral and nutritional supplements worldwide.  I personally visited their manufacturing plant in Utah, and was extremely impressed with the quality standards the rigorous testing they put every product through.  You can be assured that their products are of the highest potency and quality, and they are free of harmful contaminants and garbage that may be present in cheaper store brands. 

So why do we need D3?  Vitamin D3 is the only vitamin the body can manufacture from sunlight (UVB), so I figured I was getting enough "D" from the sun living here in sunny south Florida.  Then I really thought about it.  How much was I actually in the sun with no sunblock on?  That's the issue with many people today.  We are so "skin cancer" phobic that we are never out without being slathered in Coppertone, or covered in hats and t-shirts.  

Most Americans today are Vitamin D3 deficient.  New research is coming out every day showing this deficiency linked to all kinds of illness and disease.  

If you think about it, it really makes sense.  When does cold and flu season really hit?..In the winter months when the sun is more scarce, and we're inside more.

Vitamin D3 is shown to improve the immune system.  It can be helpful in making your immune system strong enough to fight off influenza more effectively.

This vitamin is also known for aiding in bone health.  It does this by pulling plaque out of arteries and putting it back in bones where it belongs.  In this way it helps us keep a healthy circulatory system.  It's deficiency leads to impaired bone mineralization causing softened bones.  This supplement is important for people dealing with osteoporosis. 

Studies are also showing that Vitamin D3 reduces the risk of breast and other cancers by protecting healthy cells and preventing growth of bad ones.

There is new information coming out all the time showing links between Vitamin D deficiency and things like depression, reduced mental function and back pain.  Changes in recommended dosage has risen from 400-600 IU thought to be sufficient several years ago to the new recommendation of 2000-4000 IU daily.

Nature's Sunshine Vitamin D3 comes in a small plastic bottle of 60 round white tablets.  Each tablet contains 2000 IU of natural Vitamin D3 that is from lanolin harvested from the wool fat of sheep.  Nature's Sunshine only uses sheep from New Zealand and Australia because they are certified BSE-free (mad cow disease).  Just an added note for those who have trouble swallowing pills, my son tells me these tablets, aside from being chalky, have little taste when chewed up.

I personally take 2 2000 IU tablets daily.  This is not a expensive supplent either.  The retail cost for 60 tablets (a months supply at 2 per day), is $12.25.  Member cost is only $8.15.  To become a member is free with a $40 order.   (For more information see the link on my home page).

So for less then .30 cents a day you are giving yourself an incredible supplement that has the potential to greatly improve your health.  

I give Vitamin D3 an "A" when it comes to supplements!


 


Recommended: Yes