D3 5000 - 120 Softgels

D3 5000 by Metagenics features 5,000 IU of vitamin D3 (the most bioavailable form). This is a high dose vitamin that will quickly replenish vitamin D status in deficient individuals. Metagenics has created this oil-solubilized vitamin D supplement, in easy-to-swallow soft gel capsules, for optimal absorption in the digestive tract.

About Vitamin D

Vitamin D can be found in many sources, such as eggs, fish, cod liver oil and fortified foods; but the sun is one of the largest contributors to our vitamin D supply. Just 10 minutes in the sun without sunscreen is usually enough to prevent a vitamin D deficiency. Unfortunately, there are dangers associated with sun exposure; so, many people aren’t getting enough of this vitamin, which is synthesized by the skin upon ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from sunlight.

Vitamin D’s major role is to maintain normal blood levels of phosphorous and calcium. It aids in calcium absorption, so vitamin D and calcium supplementation may work together to strengthen bones in those who have a low bone mineral density and/or tendency to get bone fractures. In addition to helping build strong bones, vitamin D is being studied for its role in preventing many diseases and conditions, such as high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases, and even cancer.

Vitamin D Deficiency Diseases

The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) was set by the United States government to prevent certain diseases that can be caused by extreme vitamin D deficiency. Rickets and osteomalacia are two such diseases. An extreme vitamin D deficiency in children will cause rickets, which is characterized by skeletal deformities and weak bones. This is not to say that other diseases or conditions cannot be the result of a vitamin D deficiency. As mentioned above, vitamin D levels may play a role in autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis, high blood pressure and cancer.

Much of the population has sub-optimal serum levels of vitamin D; however, some groups of people are at greater risk than others. The elderly, obese and those who limit sun exposure are all at risk for vitamin D deficiency, as are people with certain medical conditions, such as malabsorption syndromes (like cystic fibrosis) and inflammatory bowel diseases (like Crohn’s).

D3 vs. D2

There are two types of vitamin D that are important to humans: ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). D2 is synthesized by plants, while D2 is the type that the human body synthesizes from sunlight. Metagenics chose to include vitamin D2 in its supplement because it is the most natural (to humans) and bioavailable source. Vitamin D3 is also more stable, so it is likely to remain active for a longer period of time – even when it has been exposed to different temperatures and humidity levels. D3 has also been shown to be more effective at raising and maintaining serum levels of vitamin D, making it the better choice for those who are deficient.