Kemiex is a digital solution for buyers and sellers of raw materials to digitalise transactions and obtain information about the Feed, Food, Vet, and Pharma industries. In the following series of articles, we will explain the functions and uses of products that can be found in the Kemiex marketplace. On this occasion, we are going to explain the benefits of Vitamin D3 or Cholecalciferol:

What is Vitamin D3 used for?

Vitamin D3, also known as Cholecalciferol, is a type of fat-soluble vitamin found in some animal-based foods such as fatty fish and fish liver oil, as well as in fortified foods. Vitamin D3 is essential for the maintenance of proper bone health, as it helps the body absorb and use calcium. It also supports a healthy immune system and has been linked to reducing the risk of certain diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and multiple sclerosis. Vitamin D3 can be synthesized in the body when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, making it one of the few vitamins that can be synthesized in the body and obtained through diet or sunlight.

What are the main benefits of Vitamin D3?

Vitamin D3, also known as Cholecalciferol, has numerous important benefits for the human body, some of the most crucial ones include:

1. Supports Strong Bones:

Vitamin D3 helps the body absorb calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones. It is particularly important for children, as they require adequate amounts of vitamin D to build strong bones, and for elderly people, who are at risk of osteoporosis.

2. Helps Immune system:

Vitamin D3 plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system and reducing the risk of infections and autoimmune diseases. It helps activate T cells, which are white blood cells responsible for fighting off infections.

3. Improves Cardiovascular health:

Vitamin D3 has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease and stroke. It helps regulate blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and improve overall heart health.

4. Stabilizes Mental health:

Vitamin D3 has been linked to improved mood and cognitive function. Low levels of Vitamin D have been associated with an increased risk of depression and other mental health conditions.

5. Supports Cancer prevention:

Vitamin D3 has been shown to have a protective effect against certain types of cancer, including colon, breast, and prostate cancer. This is likely due to its role in regulating cell growth and preventing uncontrolled cell division.

It’s important to note that while Vitamin D3 plays a crucial role in maintaining good health, excessive amounts can be harmful and lead to toxicity. It’s always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting a Vitamin D supplement.

Which foods are the main sources of Vitamin D3?

Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, can be found in a limited number of foods, but it can also be produced in the body when skin is exposed to sunlight. Some of the top food sources of Vitamin D3 include:

1. Fatty fish: Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are excellent sources of Vitamin D3, with a 3-ounce serving of sockeye salmon containing about 450-464 international units (IU) of Vitamin D3.

2. Cod liver oil: This oil is one of the richest sources of Vitamin D3, with 1 tablespoon providing approximately 1,360 IU.

3. Beef liver: A 3-ounce serving of beef liver provides approximately 42-50 IU of Vitamin D3.

4. Eggs: One large egg yolk contains approximately 41 IU of Vitamin D3.

5. Fortified foods: Many foods, such as milk, orange juice, and breakfast cereals, are fortified with Vitamin D3, with the amount of Vitamin D3 varying by product.

6. Shiitake mushrooms: A 100-gram serving of shiitake mushrooms can contain up to 7.7 µg (micrograms) of Vitamin D3.

7. Cheese: Some types of cheese, such as Swiss and cheddar, can contain small amounts of Vitamin D3.

8. Fortified tofu: Tofu that has been fortified with Vitamin D3 can contain up to 2.3 µg of Vitamin D3 per 100 grams.

9. Pork: Pork products, such as pork chops and ham, can contain small amounts of Vitamin D3.

10. Fortified yogurt: Yogurt that has been fortified with Vitamin D3 can contain up to 3.8 µg of Vitamin D3 per 100 grams.

It’s important to note that while these foods can provide some Vitamin D3, they may not provide enough to meet daily requirements, and many people may still need to obtain Vitamin D3 through supplementation or sun exposure.

Recommended daily intake (RDI) of Vitamin D3

The recommended daily intake (RDI) of Vitamin D3 varies based on age, gender, and other factors such as sun exposure. Here are some general guidelines:

• Infants (0-12 months): 400-1,000 IU/day

• Children (1-18 years): 600-4,000 IU/day

• Adults (19-70 years): 600-4,000 IU/day

• Adults (71+ years): 800-4,000 IU/day

• Pregnant and lactating women: 600-4,000 IU/day

It is important to note that these are just general guidelines and the actual RDI may vary based on individual needs and health conditions. It is best to consult a healthcare professional for a more personalized recommendation.

What are the main benefits of Vitamin D3 or Cholecalciferol for animals?

Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, is important for animals as well as humans. Some of the key benefits of Vitamin D3 in animals include:

1. Bone health: Vitamin D3 plays a crucial role in promoting strong bones in animals by helping the body absorb calcium and phosphorus. This is particularly important for growing animals as well as animals that are prone to osteoporosis.

2. Immune system support: Vitamin D3 has been shown to enhance the immune system in animals, improving their ability to fight off infections and diseases.

3. Cardiovascular health: Studies have shown that Vitamin D3 has the ability to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease in animals.

4. Muscle health: Vitamin D3 has been linked to improved muscle health in animals, particularly in older animals. It has been shown to reduce muscle wasting and weakness in aging animals.

5. Eye health: Vitamin D3 has been linked to improved eye health in animals, including reducing the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

It’s important to note that some animals, such as cats and reptiles, are unable to synthesize Vitamin D3 from sunlight and must obtain it from their diet.

Where to buy bulk Vitamin D3 and get market information?

In Kemiex, we offer a safe and private online environment to buy and sell raw materials for the Feed, Food, Vet, and Pharma industries. We also offer market information such as Price Trends, Trade Flows and Market News for all the micro-ingredients of the mentioned industries.