Vitamin D3 is naturally synthesised in the body when sunlight directly hits the skin and offers superior absorption to the D2 form that is made from plants. Our bodies obtain vitamin D3 (which is a steroid hormone) from two sources, our diet and from the action of sunlight on our skin which drives the natural production within the body. If we all had more sun then we would have plenty of vitamin D, but in reality, we do need to obtain some from our diet, particularly during the winter months and in the elderly as the body's ability to manufacture vitamin D declines with age.
Vitamin D contributes to:
- Normal absorption/utilisation of calcium
- Normal blood calcium levels
- The maintenance of normal bones and teeth
- The maintenance of normal muscle function
- The normal function of the immune system
