SolVit D3 and COVID-19
Vitamin D, otherwise known as the sunshine vitamin, plays many important roles in the body, including promoting cardiovascular, skeletal, and immune health. Recently, vitamin D has been studied for its protective effect against COVID-19.
However, there are several types of vitamin D to be aware of. Additionally, depending on your intended use for vitamin D, you may also want to take it with vitamin K.
Here’s what you need to know about vitamin D, including its effect on COVID-19 and other health benefits. We’ll also talk about the synergistic effect of vitamins D and K and how much you should take.
What does vitamin D do for you?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means that it requires the presence of dietary fat to help absorb it. It’s found in very few foods, including beef liver, egg yolks, cheese, and some mushrooms. It’s also found in many fortified foods, such as almond milk, breakfast cereals, and orange juice.
Vitamin D is unique because, unlike other vitamins, it operates as a hormone in the body to send messages and control certain activities. Vitamin D can also be synthesized by the body when you are exposed to the sun.
Here are some health benefits of vitamin D:
- It promotes healthy bones and aids in the absorption of calcium to increase bone density and decrease the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.
- It supports a healthy heart by reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, improving blood flow, and improving blood pressure markers.
- It contains neuroprotective effects by reducing a protein buildup that has been shown to contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.
- It acts as an antioxidant to reduce oxidative damage, especially in nervous tissues that may lead to cognitive decline.
- It boosts immune health by supporting your body’s ability to protect against infections.
- It may lower the risk of autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.
Vitamin D has recently been evaluated for its protective effects against COVID-19. Research shows that vitamin D supports immune health by stimulating the production of immune cells, such as T cells and macrophages, that protect the body against pathogens.
Several studies have shown that there is a link between proper vitamin D levels and a reduced risk of the common cold and upper respiratory tract infections.
Specifically, vitamin D helps increase the expression of antimicrobial molecules in the lungs, which may help defend the area of the body most vulnerable to COVID-19.
According to one study, vitamin D may help reduce the death rate caused by the coronavirus. This prompted experts to urge the government to adjust its advice and suggest that people strive for optimal levels of vitamin D.
What is the difference between vitamins D2 and D3?
Before you buy the first vitamin D supplement you see, it’s important to note that there are two types to be aware of: vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol).
One of the differences between the two is that D2 is sourced from plants (such as mushrooms, dietary supplements, and fortified foods) while D3 comes from animals (oily fish, liver, egg yolk, and butter).
Vitamin D3 is the type of vitamin D that is formed in your skin when you are exposed to sun. Research shows that vitamin D3 is better at improving your vitamin D levels than D2.
Why is vitamin K2 added to many vitamin D supplements and who needs it?
Vitamin K is another fat-soluble vitamin. It is often paired with vitamin D supplements because it helps minimize calcium accumulation in the blood vessels.
If you are taking vitamin D for the purpose of enhancing skeletal health, bone density, or cardiovascular health, then it’s a good idea to look for a supplement that also contains vitamin K2.
What form is D3 the best in?
Taking a liquid form of vitamin D3 is better than in pills or capsules. This is why our vitamin D3 supplement comes in liquid form. As vitamin D3 is fat soluble, our SolVit D3® contains a dietary source of fat to assist with absorption making it more bioavailable and improving it’s efficacy.
How much vitamin D do I need?
You can get vitamin D from being in the sun. However, this is often not enough for most people, especially in the winter months.
The recommended intake for vitamin D is 600 IU for men and women aged 1-70 years old. Adults over the age of 70 need 800 IU per day.
Call my office at Solaris Whole Health to review personalized recommendations!
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These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information provided or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other healthcare professional. you should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medications, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.
