These Vitamin D3 capsules by Pure Encapsulations contain 5,000 IU of vitamin D3 in each easy-to-swallow vegetarian capsule. This provides a high dose of this essential vitamin that so many Americans are deficient in.

About Vitamin D3

The main role of vitamin D3 is to enhance calcium absorption and retention. This helps support healthy bones and it may also play a part in supporting cellular, cardiovascular and colon health. It is known that vitamin D levels in the blood decline with age, mostly because of a decreased ability to absorb the vitamin in the body or metabolize it in the liver. Another major cause of vitamin D deficiency is inadequate sun exposure. Many people avoid the sun for fear of harmful UV rays. Although this is a valid concern, it often leaves us deficient in this crucial sunshine vitamin. If you make an effort to avoid sun exposure, it is recommended that you supplement daily with vitamin D, such as that found in these capsules by Pure Encapsulations. You may find a deficiency exacerbated by a vegetarian diet or avoidance of vitamin D fortified foods (such as cereals, breads and juices).

How the Body Uses Vitamin D3

Vitamin D helps strengthen the bones by promoting calcium and phosphorous absorption in the intestines and reducing urinary calcium loss, which are both essential for maintaining the appropriate calcium levels within the body for healthy bone structure. In clinical studies, vitamin D supplementation has been shown to boost the bone-strengthening abilities of calcium. In addition, studies have shown that supplementing with just vitamin D may also help support overall bone health.

Studies have also shown that vitamin D might also offer cardiovascular support for some people. This could be because it helps the body absorb and metabolize calcium, or it may be because it helps maintain healthy plasma renin function.

Another area that vitamin D may be helpful in is maintaining cellular health. Current research suggests that vitamin D helps to support colon health by its natural role in promoting healthy cellular function. Many researchers also purport that vitamin D can provide more general cellular support by helping maintain optimal angiogenesis balance, supporting the immune cells and maintaining healthy cell metabolism. The newest evidence suggests that vitamin D might also have a hand in keeping glucose metabolism on track. This research began after finding that vitamin D receptors are in fact present on the islet cells of the pancreas.

Where Does Pure Encapsulations' Vitamin D Come From?

Pure Encapsulations gets its vitamin D3 from the cholesterol in lanolin (the fat that is found in sheep's wool). They also derive hypo-allergenic plant fiber from pine cellulose. The Vitamin D liquid from medium chain triglycerides are also taken from palm and coconut oil.

If you think you may be deficient in vitamin D, as so many Americans are, ask your healthcare practitioner to test your blood levels. Adequate is considered anything above 30 ng/ml, but many experts agree that levels should really be somewhere between 50 and 100 ng/ml.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before starting any exercise or nutritional supplement program or before using these or any product during pregnancy or if you have a serious medical condition.