Researchers have analysed studies into Vitamin D and found that this essential vitamin can help to reduce heart disease, while lowering any signs of exertion. Vitamin D is actually a hormone that’s critical for numerous bodily functions including the formation of bones and teeth. It’s also necessary for the absorption of proper nutrients that can’t be achieved through diet alone.

Getting out into the sun is important but it can be difficult in colder climes where the sunlight can seemingly disappear for months on end. In winter this can mean many people fail to get an adequate amount of this critical vitamin and so researchers from the Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh have investigated the bodily mechanisms and any subsequent health benefits that people with Vitamin D deficiencies may be missing out on.

The study looked at participants and matched them according to their age and weight; they were then given 50 micrograms of vitamin D or a placebo, every single day over a 2 week period. At the end of this time, the participants were put through a series of tests and given a supplement to lower blood pressure levels. This also reduced levels of cortisol, known as the “stress hormone”. Perhaps the most surprising finding from this study however is that participants who were given Vitamin D were able to cycle for 6.5km on average within 20 minutes, compared to 5km before the two week period began.

Vitamin D can play a role in preventing cancer, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, depression and weight gain amongst other factors. A previous study has also found that 40% of Americans don’t get enough Vitamin D and that taking this supplement during the winter months is a good idea for this reason.

Why Vitamin D3?

Vitamin D3 known as cholecalciferol is the type of Vitamin D made within the skin. Both Vitamin D2 and D3 are required to be made into the hormone calcitriol and to become active within the body. Vitamin D3 is required to maintain essential bone health, promote a healthy immune system response and healthy hormonal balance.

Vitamin D3 is also ideal for promoting better phosphorus absorption within the blood and bones, while regulating over 200 genes in the body.

Many of us simply aren’t getting enough Vitamin D3 however as we don’t see enough sunshine, especially if we live within the northern hemisphere and primarily cold climates such as the UK and Canada. This study gives a good indication that we should be taking Vitamin D3 regularly. But other studies have found that taking 5-10,000IU a day is perfectly safe and could produce much better benefits, especially when taken with Vitamin K2 – making it the dynamic duo of supplements.

If you want to get more Vitamin D3 into your life, it’s recommended to take a supplement, such as the ‘Sunshine in a Capsule’ known as Vitamin D3 5000IU. For better absorption complete with Vitamin K2, we recommend Vitamin D3/K2 Spray. Both are available from Good Health Naturally.