Very often, the maze of the initial letters of the Latin alphabet makes it difficult for parents who are trying to choose vitamins that are so important for the health of their children. However, everyone is aware of the importance of vitamin D for the proper development of the fetus and newborn, which doctors prescribe to every expectant mother. Unlike the others, however, it is more difficult to obtain with food and therefore it is better to provide it in the form of a dietary supplement.
What is vitamin D?
This essential substance for health plays an important role in the absorption of calcium, magnesium and phosphates in the intestines and has a number of other properties that are important for the normal functioning of the human body. Nature intended it to be synthesized by the body, but a number of factors hinder its natural synthesis and it must be obtained as a supplement.
Vitamin D comes in several forms, with two of them being of primary importance in humans - vitamins D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol). It is the latter that the body can produce and it is absorbed much better. Cholecalciferol is produced naturally in the lower layers of the epidermis under the influence of sunlight, and specifically UVB rays - a process that has recently been seriously hampered by the use of sunscreens.
Cholecalciferol itself is passive. However, after ingestion, it is processed in the liver into calcifediol, and then in the kidneys into the metabolite calcitriol. The latter binds to the vitamin D receptor (VDR) - a transcription factor that, when activated in the intestines, bones, kidneys and parathyroid glands, helps maintain calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood and bone density. In addition to bone health, vitamin D3 contributes to improving immune function and mood, as well as preventing a number of chronic diseases.
What are the benefits of taking vitamin D3?
→ Supports bone health – Until a hundred years ago, rickets was a fairly common childhood disease. It is characterized by delayed calcification of the bones, as a result of which they – most often those of the legs as a result of stress – become deformed. Affected children are also more prone to other diseases such as tuberculosis, anemia and neurological problems. It was only in the 1920s that scientists discovered the cause of the disease – a deficiency of vitamin D, which helps with calcium absorption. Thanks to the prophylactic administration of the vitamin to expectant mothers from the first months of pregnancy, as well as to newborns, today in developed countries rickets is just a memory of the past.
→ Supports Immune Function – Acting as a hormone, vitamin D3 acts as an immunomodulator, helping to prevent serious inflammation in the body. It has been found to support healthy cell replication, thus counteracting the development of autoimmune conditions, infections, viral diseases, and some minor problems like colds and flu.
→ Contributes to improving concentration, memory and cognitive functions – Scientific studies show that vitamin D3 has a beneficial effect on cognitive abilities, thanks to its ability to limit oxidative stress. It also supports concentration, decision-making, memorization and retention of information.
Vitamin D3 also helps maintain the normal function of the endocrine, cardiovascular and central nervous systems.
Method of administration:
For children over 3 years of age: Chew 1 softgel daily.
