The vitamin D3 se is a nutrient belonging to the vitamin D group. It is a fat-soluble vitamin that our skin generally synthesizes when exposed to the sun, although it can also be obtained throughdietary supplements that make up for the lack of this vitamin in the body.
Its role is very important in the body, since without this vitamin the correct absorption of calcium or optimal blood coagulation is not possible.
Vitamin D3 Benefits
Vitamin D3 provides us with numerous benefits for our health, starting with well-being and improving our mood, areas in which it has a great impact. But in addition to this, this vitamin provides other benefits such as:
- Improves cognitive well-being.
- Helps joint and bone health.
- Prevents the onset of osteoporosis.
- Reduces the risk of suffering bone fractures.
These areas in which vitamin D3 has a strong influence are especially important for those who practice endurance sports, since they can often notice pain or discomfort in their joints. With a good dose of vitamin D3, which you can obtain with food supplements, you can prevent joint pain from erosion in the long term and improve your physique by avoiding premature aging.
Likewise, vitamin D3 has positive effects on blood pressure, especially when combined with calcium. In this way, it is important to combat metabolic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and even obesity.
What is vitamin D3 used for?
Broadly speaking, we could specify that vitamin D3 serves to:
- Control blood pressure.
- Regulate the functioning of the immune system.
- Monitor cell duplication and death (to combat aging).
- Stabilize the transmission of nerve impulses.
- Assimilate and maintain calcium and phosphorus in the bone system (bones and teeth).
- Work on optimal blood coagulation.
In summary, vitamin D3 has an impact in three large areas: in the bones and joints through the phosphocalcic balance that allows maintaining flexibility, resistance and the quality of the bones; in the immune system to prevent infections and diseases; and in the cell life cycle.
Causes and symptoms of vitamin D3 deficiency
The deficiency of vitamin D3 in our body can cause various problems, from depression or various cognitive problems to the worsening of metabolic diseases or the increase in degenerative processes in the body.
A vitamin D3 deficiency can cause symptoms such as:
- Fatigue and tiredness.
- Nervousness.
- Humor changes.
- Weakness or laziness
- Increased dental caries or inflammation or bleeding of the gums.
- Sleep disorders.
Conditions or diseases for which this medication is prescribed
Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) is used as a dietary supplement when the amount of vitamin D in the diet is insufficient. People most at risk of vitamin D deficiency include older adults, nursing infants, people with dark skin, people with obesity, and people with limited sun exposure or gastrointestinal (GI) diseases affecting the stomach or intestines ) such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease. Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) is also used together with calcium to prevent and treat bone diseases such as rickets (softening and weakening of bones in children caused by a lack of vitamin D), osteomalacia (softening and weakening of the bones in adults caused by a lack of vitamin D) and osteoporosis (a condition in which the bones become thin and weak and break easily). Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) is in a class of medications called vitamin D analogs. Cholecalciferol is needed by the body for healthy bones, muscles, and nerves, and to support the immune system. It works by helping the body use more of the calcium found in food or supplements.
Where to find vitamin D3
Some foods, mainly eggs or fish, are the main carriers of vitamin D3. Although it can also be obtained by sunbathing with bare skin. However, it is difficult to achieve optimal levels of this important vitamin for the body, so vitamin supplementation is essential.
There are vitamin D3 products available that allow you optimal dissolution of the nutrient. Food supplements based on cholecalciferol or vitamin D3 allow you to obtain the necessary amount of nutrients, 60 tablets of 5,000 IU/day, to guarantee optimal and complete synthesis throughout the year, since it is synthesized as it is not present in the diet. through the sun's rays during good weather days.
Vitamin D3 supplements will also allow you to reduce the risks of a deficiency of this vitamin in the body, which can put your health at risk. With them you will treat the lack of vitamin D in the body, as well as other conditions such as psoriasis, rickets, osteoporosis or muscle weakness.
How should this medicine be used:
Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) comes as a capsule, gelcap, chewable gel (gummy), tablet, and liquid drops to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day, depending on the preparation, your age, and your medical condition(s). Cholecalciferol is available without a prescription, but your doctor may prescribe cholecalciferol to treat certain conditions. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking a cholecalciferol (vitamin D) supplement. Take cholecalciferol at around the same time every day. Follow the instructions on the product label or doctor's instructions carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take cholecalciferol exactly as directed.
You can add cholecalciferol liquid drops to your child's food or drink.
Cholecalciferol supplements are available alone and in combination with vitamins, as well as in combination with medications.
Special precautions I should follow
Before taking cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3):
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to cholecalciferol, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in cholecalciferol products. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: calcium supplements, carbamazepine (Equetro, Teril, others), cholestyramine (Prevalite), multivitamins, orlistat (Alli, Xenical), phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin), prednisone (Rayos), thiazide diuretics ( ''water pills''), or other cholecalciferol (vitamin D) supplements and fortified foods. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you closely for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had hyperparathyroidism (a condition in which the body makes too much parathyroid hormone [PTH; a natural substance needed to control the amount of calcium in the blood]), kidney disease, or if you have high levels of calcium in your body.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Call your doctor if you become pregnant while taking cholecalciferol (vitamin D3).
Special diet that I must follow while taking this medicine:
When cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) is used to treat and prevent bone diseases, you should eat and drink calcium-rich foods and drinks. If it is difficult for you to eat enough calcium-rich foods, tell your doctor. In that case, your doctor may prescribe or recommend a calcium supplement.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What do I have to do if I forget to take a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is near the time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and continue taking your normal dose. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.
