Vitamin D3: why do women, men and children need it? Vitamin D3 is the most important substance for the formation and strengthening of bones.

Cholcalciferol (vitamin D3) is an important substance for human growth and development. It is a fat-soluble component that It is produced by the body during summer exposure to the sun, and is replenished in winter from food.

A lack of this vitamin and its excess are dangerous for the human body. From the article you will learn why women, men and children need vitamin D3.

When there are not enough useful components, metabolism fails and the functioning of all organs deteriorates. Vitamin D3 intake is necessary for the following systems and organs:

bones,
cells,
immunity,
endocrine glands,
nervous system.

One of the functions of this substance is the absorption of and, which form and support dental tissue and bones.

Cholcalciferol helps supply bone tissue with useful components, which makes it possible to strengthen it.

The substance renews the body's cells, accelerating their growth. As for the development of cancer cells during cancer, this component slows down this process in the body of a sick person. The substance affects cancer of the intestines or mammary glands.

Vitamin, contributing to the normal functioning of the bone marrow. Without this substance, the body will not produce sufficient levels of insulin, which normalizes blood sugar levels.

Thanks to the intake of magnesium and calcium into the body, the membranes of the nerves, which are responsible for their protection, are strengthened. The vitamin helps nerve impulses to be transmitted normally in the body. Drugs containing this substance are used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.

Why do women need D3?

Women taking medications containing D3 are associated with their... Fetal tissues accumulate calcium from the 8th week of gestation. At this time, mineralization of the skeleton begins, and dental tissue is formed. In the second trimester of embryo development, the first bones are already formed and tooth enamel is formed. And from 21 weeks, the skeleton is actively mineralized, and the child’s growth accelerates.

Preventive therapy with drugs containing vitamin D3 is prescribed when insufficient amounts of calcium are supplied with food. If a woman is at risk of developing osteopenia, then such drugs are prescribed to her from the 10th week of gestation.

When taking the drug, it is important to follow the doctor’s recommendations and not increase the dosage of the drug. Excessive accumulation of calcium in a woman’s body during pregnancy leads to accelerated closure of the fontanel in some children. This factor creates trouble for teenagers if they are prone to increased intracranial pressure.

Excessive intake of calcium and cholcalciferol into the body leads to the fact that calcium is deposited in plaques, and subsequently provokes vascular disease.

Daily value for women

Adult women need 600 IU per day. During pregnancy, this dose increases to 800 IU. In old age, the daily norm increases to 800 IU due to leaching of calcium from the bones.

The need for vitamin increases under the following circumstances:

diet or vegetarianism;
insufficient exposure to sunlight;
life in high latitudes;
lack of sleep;
polluted environment.

If a woman has dark skin, then the need for chocalciferol is higher, because it has reduced synthesis of the component on the epidermis.

The daily requirement of the vitamin for a woman is 600 IU.

Why is D3 needed by the stronger sex?

Cholcalciferol ensures the functioning of the entire body. For men it consists of the following points:

Positive effect on the functioning of the thyroid gland;
Testosterone production. This element burns fat and is responsible for energy synthesis;
Improves liver function;
Regulates cell growth;
Absorbs magnesium;
Reduces the risk of developing cancer, diabetes and other ailments;
Improves the absorption of calcium and.

In addition, it maintains muscle tone, normalizes blood pressure, as well as other brain functions.

The male cardiovascular system undergoes destructive changes earlier, unlike the female one. This suggests that it is important for men to maintain a healthy heart and blood vessels. Vitamins D perform a protective function for the male body. It is able to protect the body from low doses of radiation and the development of cancer cells. The substance is also indispensable in case of AIDS, since it is it that helps maintain the body’s immune strength.

Daily value for men

If a man’s blood contains less than 10 ng/ml of vitamin D when analyzed, then based on these indicators one can conclude that there is a deficiency in the body. Indicators from 10 to 30 ng/ml indicate a deficiency. The normal concentration of the substance in human blood is from 30 to 100 ng/ml.

Analyzes can be presented in other units - nmol/l. In this case, the norm looks different.

Substance deficiency - from 0 to 25 nmol/l;

Lack of substance - from 25 to 75 nmol/l;

The norm is from 75 to 250 nmol/l.

For men, the daily dose of the vitamin is about 600 IU.

Vitamin D3 needs of older people

A person's need for vitamin D3 increases with age. This occurs due to a decrease in the level of absorption of this substance and the ability to produce it independently. In addition, now that a person is old, kidney failure occurs more often and the period of insolation decreases.

The aging human body has aging skin, and therefore gradually loses the ability to independently produce vitamin D3. When the body cannot produce it on its own, it is necessary to obtain the substance from the outside, that is, from food and medications.

From the age of 50, you should additionally replenish your vitamin D reserves for normal life.

This serves as a prevention of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that often affects the bone tissue of people in older age groups. If the patient has already had an osteopathic fracture, then there is a possibility of it occurring again.

AP in elderly people occurs without characteristic symptoms. The patient may not feel any changes or see symptoms until the bone breaks. It is important in old age to ensure that the body receives the required amount of vitamin D3. Such measures are an excellent prevention of osteoporosis. And deficiency of the substance in old age aggravates the course of other chronic somatic ailments.

Why does a child need vitamin D3?

The substance cholcalciferol performs the following functions in the child’s body:

strengthens the immune system;
helps the accumulation of calcium and phosphorus in bone tissue;
helps muscles and bones grow.

The health of the expectant mother is no less important than the health of the baby.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, pay close attention to your diet.

Diversify your food with foods rich in vitamin D3, calcium and other microelements.

A newborn baby has practically no reserves of cholcalciferol in its body, especially if he was born prematurely. In part, such a deficiency can be replenished by breastfeeding the child, but at the same time the mother needs to take vitamins herself. If we take into account the fact that a sufficient amount of the substance is synthesized in the human body under the sun’s rays, then it is not always possible for children to have a sunbath.

If you ignore the doctor’s advice on taking vitamins, then by the age of three months the baby will begin to show signs of rickets, and the level of calcium in the blood will decrease. The pediatrician himself must decide the need to take medications and the dosage for newborns. Walk your baby outside more often, especially in sunny weather. This will prevent vitamin and calcium deficiency in children.

Thus, vitamin D3 is necessary for everyone, from newborn children to the elderly. The body receives part of this substance simply by being under the sun, but if there is a deficiency, you need to adjust your diet and additionally take medications prescribed by your doctor.

Scientists believe that vitamin D3 is the main and most important representative of fat-soluble vitamins of group D. It is worth understanding where vitamin D3 is found and why men, women and children need it.

To begin with, I would like to say that this substance is synthesized in the body due to exposure to ultraviolet rays. When there is not enough sun, that is, during the cold season, it is important to replenish its balance by consuming food or medications.

Vitamin D3 – what is it for?

To maintain proper functioning of the body, it is important to ensure that it receives a sufficient amount of nutrients. Each vitamin and mineral performs its own direct function.

Why does the body need vitamin D3?

To strengthen the skeletal system, as it promotes better absorption of magnesium. This substance takes part in the formation of bone and dental tissue. Thanks to the vitamin, the flow of nutrients to the tissue increases, which leads to its strengthening.
For cell growth, taking part in the process of their growth and renewal. Scientists, through various studies, have found that vitamin D3 slows down the process of reproduction of cancer cells of the mammary glands and intestines. It is also recommended to use it during treatment, as well as as a prevention of prostate and brain cancer.
To maintain the immune system, because this substance affects the functioning of the bone marrow, which in turn is responsible for the production of immune cells.
For the functioning of the endocrine glands. When a sufficient amount of vitamin D3 is supplied, the process of insulin synthesis returns to normal. If there is not enough of this compound in the body, then the level of glucose in the blood decreases.
For stable functioning of the nervous system. This useful substance leads to maintaining the required concentration of calcium in the blood, and this in turn is responsible for the transmission of nerve impulses. In addition, the vitamin helps restore the protective membranes of the nerves. That is why it is recommended to take it for multiple sclerosis.

Speaking about vitamin D3, it is worth mentioning separately why children need it. Experts prescribe it as a preventive measure for rickets. An aqueous solution is prescribed because it is non-toxic. Many mothers are interested in the age at which vitamin DZ should be given, so this period should be calculated by the doctor, but usually the intake starts from the first month and lasts up to two to three years. This is due to the fact that it is at this time that the active formation of the skeleton occurs. Another important point is how much vitamin D3 should be given to your child. If the baby is of normal weight and is breastfed, then the dosage is 1-2 drops, that is, 500-1000 IU. If there are any deviations, then the doctor prescribes a larger amount of 2-3 drops, that is, 1500-2000 IU, and it is recommended to take vitamin D3 for up to three years. By the way, the dosage for an adult is 600 IU. Since there is a lot of sun in summer and the body produces this compound itself, then the amount drops to 500 IU. It is important to consider that if the dosage is exceeded, negative consequences may occur.

What foods contain vitamin D3?

The main suppliers of this compound are dairy products, and there are even special products for children. Vitamin D3 is also found in fatty fish, such as herring, tuna, etc. It is important to note that when frying, the amount of nutrients decreases. You can also get this useful compound from cereals, and this primarily applies to oatmeal.

Vitamins are companions of a full human life. It is they, coupled with other useful substances, that give us strength and allow us to realize the most ambitious plans. Each of them has its own purpose and spectrum of action. The “vitamin series” is quite large, and D3 occupies a worthy place here; its scientific name is “cholecalciferol”.

Vitamin D3 – what is it for?

D3 is one of the few vitamins that the human body can synthesize. True, this requires certain conditions, in particular, the presence of sunlight: it is the main creator of cholecalciferol. There is another way to replenish: through food. Let’s try to figure out how big its role is and why vitamin D3 is needed.

The human body cannot do without it:

it helps strengthen bone tissue;
regulates the supply of nutrients;
helps enrich the body's cells with the components necessary for their development;
suppresses the growth and development of cancer cells;
helps strengthen the immune system;
ensures stable functioning of the nervous system;
The child's body protects against rickets.

How to take vitamin D3 correctly for adults?

Recently it was believed that the “sunshine vitamin” is needed only for children, because it allows the children’s skeleton to form correctly and avoid rachitic changes. However, today doctors agree that it is no less important for adults. Cholecalciferol is available in various forms: tablets, drops, suspensions, injection solutions, chewable candies. How to use vitamin D3 is calculated individually by the attending physician, depending on many factors.

Daily requirement of vitamin D3 for women

The female body especially needs it, it’s not for nothing that it is often called the “women’s health hormone.” To understand why vitamin D3 is so important and why women need it, it is enough to know that during puberty, during menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding, a significant amount of calcium is washed out of the female body. It is usually involved in strengthening bone tissue. When it decreases, bone fragility increases and characteristic signs of vitamin deficiency occur.

Elderly people suffer no less from calcium deficiency, and especially women who have bone problems, leading to serious problems in the future. To prevent possible problems and serious injuries, it is necessary to regularly replenish the female body with calcium and phosphorus. At the same time, the daily dose of vitamin D3 depends on the state of health and age; the indicators are:

for women 19-75 years old, 2.5 mcg/day is sufficient;
during pregnancy 10 mcg/day;
during breastfeeding 10-12 mcg/day.

What foods contain vitamin D3?

The human body is not able to produce the required amount of D3, so we can get some of it from food, but provided that the menu includes foods containing the vitamin and rich in calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D3 is found in significant quantities in foods:

sea fish, especially salmon, herring, mackerel, halibut, sardines;
dairy products;
butter, cheese;
eggs;
Cod liver.

Vitamin D3 deficiency - symptoms

The lack of this drug in the body of children results in rickets. Vitamin D3 deficiency in adults does not have such obvious signs, but the negative consequences can be quite severe and often become irreversible if measures are not taken in time to restore the necessary D3 balance. Vitamin deficiency is characterized by the following symptoms:

general weakness, insomnia;
pronounced sweating, especially of the scalp;
fragility of teeth and development of caries;
Vitamin D3 deficiency causes increased nervousness, frequently recurring depression and stress;
softening and deformation of bones, their fragility, development of osteoporosis;
unmotivated weight loss, frequent diarrhea.

The presence of this vitamin element in the body plays the role of a talisman, protecting it from attacks by cancer cells and skin lesions. Adults, no less than children, need vitamin D3, the benefit of which is to strengthen the immune system, bone tissue, teeth, nails and prevent colds. IN mature age this is no less relevant than in children's.

General information

History of discovery
At the beginning of the twentieth century. It was discovered that a deficiency of some dietary factor leads to the development of rickets in children. Then scientists found that taking animal fats cures rickets. From them, a fat-soluble vitamin fraction was isolated, which was a mixture of vitamins A and D. After the separation of vitamin A, it became clear that it had nothing to do with rickets. It was only in 1922 that the English biochemist Gowland Hopkinson isolated vitamin D.

Physicochemical characteristics
Vitamin D is the collective name for five sterols: D 1, D 2, D 3, D 4 and D 5, which have the same effect on the body, despite some differences in structure. In human physiology, the most important role is played by D 2 (ergocalciferol) and D 3 (cholicalciferol). Vitamins D 2 and D 3 are white crystalline powder, insoluble in water, soluble in alcohols, ethers, chloroform, and vegetable oils. They decompose under the influence of light, oxygen, air and other oxidizing agents. In light, vitamin D 2 turns into toxic toxicerol.

Metabolism
Vitamin D is absorbed in the distal small intestine. Bioavailability depends on the presence of bile and the body’s supply of this vitamin and ranges from 60–90%. In the lymph and blood plasma, the vitamin circulates as part of chylomicrons and lipoproteins. It undergoes biotransformation in the liver (into the calcidiol transport form) and in the kidneys (into calcitriol, the active metabolite). Accumulates in the liver and adipose tissue. Excreted with bile through the intestines.
One of the sterols, vitamin D 3, is formed in the skin under the influence of sunlight by isomerization of 7-dehydrocholesterol.

main sources

Table 1. Vitamin contentDin various foods

The liver of fatty fish contains especially a lot of vitamin D.

Table 2. Vitamin contentDin some types of fish

Product
Pollock liver
Canned cod liver
Marinated salmon
Salmon, trout raw
Smoked cod roe
Halibut raw
Anchovies, sprat, marinated, salted
Salted salmon
Salmon, canned food
Herring marinated with spices
Sardines in oil, canned
Sprat in tomato sauce, canned
Sardines in tomato sauce, canned
Cod caviar, canned
Salted herring
Herring raw
Pickled herring
Smoked halibut
Halibut raw
Smoked herring
Raw mackerel
Smoked mackerel
Smoked halibut
Smoked salmon
Raw flounder
Tuna in tomato sauce, canned
Tuna raw
Tuna in its own juice, canned

Functions

Vitamin D acts on the body through special receptors in target organs, initiating the synthesis of certain proteins: collagen, alkaline phosphatase and calcium binding proteins. Under the influence of vitamin D in the bones, the development of cartilage cells is ensured, the synthesis of protein stroma is activated, as well as the uptake and deposition of calcium from the plasma. Vitamin D also regulates the absorption of divalent phosphorus cations from the intestine and the reabsorption of some organic and inorganic ions in the kidneys.
In addition, vitamin D affects the proliferation of immune cells, being an immunomodulatory agent.

Consumption standards

Vitamin D intake standards vary markedly in different countries, as they strongly depend on the geographical location of the country (which affects a person’s level of insolation). For example, in Australia the consumption rate is 5 mcg/day, and in Finland – 100 mcg/day.

Table 3. Vitamin D intake standards in Russia and the USA

Age	Russia
Age	Physiological need mcg/day	mcg/day	The upper permissible level of consumption, mcg/day
Newborns




4 years – 14 years








Pregnant


During lactation

The activity of 0.025 μg of pure cholecalciferol (vitamin D 3) is taken as an international unit of vitamin D activity. That is, 1 IU of vitamin D = 0.025 mcg of vitamin D. Or 1 mcg of vitamin D is 40 IU.

Symptoms of deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency leads to:

to disturbances in the exchange of calcium and phosphorus in the bones;
increased demineralization of bone tissue, which increases the risk of developing osteoporosis.

Vitamin D deficiency leads to rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.

Indications for use:

prevention and treatment of hypo- and avitaminosis of vitamin D,
rickets,
spasmophilia,
osteomalacia,
osteoporosis,
nephrogenic osteopathy,
hypocalcemia,
hypophosphatemia,
hypoparathyroidism,
insufficient insolation,
inadequate and unbalanced nutrition,
some gastrointestinal diseases,
alcoholism,
liver failure.

Safety

Contraindications to taking vitamin D:

hypersensitivity,
hypercalcemia,
renal osteodystrophy with hyperphosphatemia,
tuberculosis.

High doses of vitamin D are terratogenic.
Vitamin D requires careful use because sensitivity to vitamin D varies greatly among individuals. In addition, vitamin D (in the form of metabolite D2) has a cumulative effect.
Signs of hypervitaminosis D:

loss of appetite,
nausea,
headache,
sleep disturbance,
weakness,
irritability,
changes in the filtering function of the kidneys,
soft tissue calcification.

Features of reception and interaction

Taking barbiturates, mineral oils and anticonvulsants requires increased dosages of vitamin D.

Vitamin D (or calciferol) is the same substance that is produced in our body under the influence of sunlight. For this reason it is also called the “sunshine” vitamin. This element is the main means of treating and preventing rickets. It is familiar firsthand to young mothers, pregnant women and the elderly. What are the benefits and harms of this substance for our body?

Vitamin D is a whole group of substances. People need two of them - D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol). The group also includes D4, D5, D6.

D3 and D2 are fat-soluble substances, the body is able to accumulate them. At the same time, cholecalciferol is synthesized in the skin under the influence of sunlight, and we can only obtain ergocalciferol from food.

What is it needed for

The main benefit of vitamin D is that it is responsible for the normal absorption of calcium and phosphorus. It regulates bone density and growth. Thanks to this substance, calcium enters our teeth and strengthens them. The vitamin has another important feature. Without it, calcium and phosphorus are not absorbed, and the deficiency of these microelements increases. But this is not all the benefits that calciferol brings:

this substance is an important element in the prevention of skin and cardiovascular diseases;
reduces the risk of cancer and inhibits the division of abnormal cells;
strengthens the immune system;
promotes muscle growth;
regulates the functioning of the thyroid gland;
prevents the appearance of blood clots.

As a result of medical research, it has been proven that D3, which our body synthesizes during sunbathing, is useful in the treatment of psoriasis. Patients' skin becomes smoother, spots become less noticeable, and itching goes away.

Since calcium is an essential substance in the structure of the human nervous system, vitamin D indirectly participates in the transmission of nerve impulses between neurons. Official medicine uses calciferol as part of complex cancer therapy.

Where do we get vitamin D?

The main source of calciferol is our skin. The substance is produced in it under the influence of sunlight. To get a daily dose of the vitamin, it is enough to spend about thirty minutes in the air. In this case, the face and hands should be open (in accordance with weather conditions). In summer, sunbathing is safe in the morning (before 11 a.m.) and in the evening (after 4 p.m.). At this time, it is most difficult to get burns and overheat, and the light wavelength is optimal for the absorption of ultraviolet radiation. In winter, on a sunny day, you can walk longer, exposing your skin to the warm rays.

D3 is produced under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, which is why its deficiency is acutely felt by residents of northern latitudes and large cities (due to the small amount of time spent in the fresh air and the high pollution of the atmosphere, which does not allow the sun's rays to pass through).

D2 can be obtained from food. For example, it is found in corn oil and parsley. However, to get the daily amount of nutrients, you will have to eat a very large amount of these foods. So, very little of the sunshine vitamin comes to us through diet. The surest way to compensate for the lack of this substance is to spend more time in the fresh air.

What does D-hypovitaminosis lead to?

A lack of calciferol primarily leads to bone fragility, premature tooth decay, and muscle weakness. Bones can break due to even minor trauma. At the same time, they will grow together for a very long time.

If a person lacks this substance, his immunity weakens, which is why he gets sick more often. Lack of calcium leads to weakening of the heart muscle, and disturbances in the functioning of this organ occur.

A person with D-hypovitaminosis is plagued by arthritis and may even develop diabetes. In women, the monthly cycle is disrupted. Insufficient intake of this substance into the body can be suspected based on the following symptoms:

burning in the mouth and throat;
persistent feeling of fatigue;
weakness;
frequent cramps, tingling in the arms and legs;
fragile bones;
rapid weight loss;
drop in visual acuity;
sleep disturbance.

Most often, calciferol deficiency occurs in the following groups of people:

having problems with the digestive system;
living in the north;
residents of large cities;
for those who rarely spend time in the fresh air;
in people with dark skin color;
in expectant mothers and nursing women;
in people who eat large amounts of fat;
in the elderly;
in children under one year of age.

If a small child becomes irritable, capricious and lethargic, and sweating increases, then he may have D-hypovitaminosis. It is urgent to show the baby to the pediatrician.

Hypervitaminosis

Since vitamin D is a fat-soluble substance, it easily accumulates in the body. If a person takes synthetic vitamin supplements, instead of benefiting them, they can cause significant harm to their health. With frequent use of this substance in large quantities, D-hypervitaminosis develops. Dangerous consequences of this condition:

removal of useful minerals from the bones with the subsequent development of osteoporosis;
accumulation of calcifications in the heart and blood vessels, which leads to atherosclerosis;
calcium salts accumulate in soft tissues and internal organs, interfering with their functioning;
a person is plagued by nausea and vomiting;
from the nervous system, headaches, insomnia, and dizziness develop.

An overdose of calciferol can be suspected if a person experiences the following symptoms:

digestive system disorders: constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting;
weakness, pain in muscles and joints;
headache;
increased temperature and pressure, convulsions, shortness of breath.

Calciferol itself is beneficial, but an overdose of it is much more dangerous than a deficiency, so do not take this substance on your own. Like any other medicine, it must be prescribed by a doctor. You can independently increase the level of D in the blood in such a way that you benefit rather than harm yourself by spending more time in the fresh air.