BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details.
The benefits of vitamin D3
What is vitamin D3? Your body creates this vitamin naturally when exposed to sunlight. In the winter, however, we tend to stay inside more, making it harder to get the proper amount of D3. There are a host of vitamin D3 deficiency symptoms that can be damaging to both the mind and body. Your bones, muscles and entire immune system need it to survive. Furthermore, your mood can be greatly affected by a shortage of D3. During the winter, pay attention to the amount of sun you get. If needed, take supplements to experience the vitamin D3 benefits for men, women and children discussed below.
Shop this article: Hum Here Comes The Sun High-Potency Vitamin D3 2,000 IU, Nature Made Extra-Strength Vitamin D3 Dietary Supplement and Feel Great Kids Vitamin D3 1000 IU Gummies
What is vitamin D3 good for?
Vitamin D3 benefits your body physiologically. It helps build strong muscles, and along with calcium, it builds strong bones, too. Vitamin D3 benefits your body throughout your life, but as you age, it can become harder for your skin to absorb it in the sun. Additionally, if you wear sunscreen or T-shirts to protect your skin from the sun, D3 does not develop in your body. If there is not enough D3 in your body, you can have severe problems like ongoing deficiency or bone issues.
Muscles
Vitamin D3 benefits your muscles by reducing pain and inflammation. It allows optimal muscle function and growth. This means that by boosting D3, not only are you preparing your muscles for a workout, they will feel better following the exercise. D3 supports muscles, and you can improve your strength by having the appropriate amount circulating through the body.
Bones
Not only do your muscles benefit from D3, but your bones do too. The vitamin strengthens bones and supports the absorption of calcium into the system. According to the Mayo Clinic, those with bone density issues or osteoporosis, especially older adults, can greatly benefit from D3 supplements. One of the vitamin D3 benefits for women is that it’s useful for boosting bone strength post-menopause.
Benefits without a sunburn
If you take a vitamin D3 supplement, you get all of the benefits of the sun without the worry of sunburn. The body produces D3 when the sun hits your skin, but the sun can also harm your skin, so protect it by taking a quality supplement.
Vitamin D3 is a mood booster
Without enough D3 in your body, your mood suffers, and you can become depressed. According to the National Institutes of Health, D3 regulates mood and assists in fighting off depression. If you do notice a dip in how your body or mind feels, talk to your doctor and consider discussing introducing vitamin D supplements.
Natural antidepressant
Since D3 is helpful in regulating mood, it can be used as a natural antidepressant. If you find that you are feeling low and you haven’t been outside in a while, D3 could be what you are missing. However, depression is a serious condition, and you should consult a doctor if you are feeling depressed. It is great for mood stabilization, but it alone cannot resolve certain psychological complications.
Vitamin D3 supports your immune system
Your immune system is strongly supported by having a healthy amount of vitamin D3. A properly working immune system improves the way your body fights off disease and helps heal your body from injury. By taking D3, you can help your body overcome illness and reduce inflammation. It also improves kidney function and acts as a preventive measure for certain cancers.
Kidney function
The National Institutes of Health says that vitamin D3 is used during the treatment of chronic kidney conditions because of the relation to low vitamin D in patients with kidney diseases. D3 or D2 can be used, but D3 is thought to be more effective according to the NIH. If you wish to improve your kidney function, consult your doctor about adding vitamin D3 to your diet. Vitamin D3 can also be useful for people with darker skin, older people or those with larger body mass as it is not as easily absorbed into all body types.
Cancer prevention
Taking D3 instead of going out into the sun for hours on end can make the difference in certain kinds of cancer, such as skin cancer. By replenishing your body with D3 through supplements, you avoid being exposed to the sun for longer periods.
Best vitamin D3 supplement options
Hum Here Comes The Sun High-Potency Vitamin D3 2,000 IU
These D3 softgels are easy to take, cruelty-free and vegan. They include the daily recommended vitamin D3 dosage for adults in each capsule.
Now Foods Vitamin D3 5,000 IU Softgels
These are affordable, high-potency softgel tablets that achieve maximum results for those with a significant deficiency. They promote your immune system and help create strong bones.
Nature Made Extra-Strength Vitamin D3 Dietary Supplement
If you’re not a fan of taking vitamin capsules, consider these tasty gummies with strawberry, peach and mango flavors. They’re extra-strength vitamin D3 gummies with no artificial sweeteners.
Feel Great Kids Vitamin D3 1000 IU Gummies
These gummies have the proper vitamin D3 dosage for children ages four and up. The plant-based chews have a citrus flavor that kids will love.
Want to shop the best products at the best prices? Check out Daily Deals from BestReviews.
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Erica Redding writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2024 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.