Vitamin D3 can be synthesized by humans in the skin upon exposure to ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation from sunlight. But, due to the winter season, weather conditions, and sun screen usage, the body’s ability to produce optimal vitamin D levels may be inhibited. These factors point to the value of taking a daily vitamin D supplement.
Vitamin D has long provided significant support for healthy bone density. However, scientists have also validated the critical role that vitamin D plays in regulating healthy cell division and differentiation, and its profound effects on human immunity. These findings link a deficiency of vitamin D to a host of common age-related problems.
The current RDA is only 600 IU. As a result of evidence of widespread vitamin D deficiency, prominent nutritional scientists are calling on Americans to increase their vitamin D intake to 1,000 IU per day and higher. Life Extension suggests that healthy adults supplement each day with at least 2,000 IU of vitamin D. Elderly adults may benefit from higher doses. The objective of taking a vitamin D supplement is to achieve an optimal 25-hydroxy vitamin D blood level of 50 ng/mL (or higher).
Your skin produces vitamin D when in direct sunlight, but you should not get your vitamin D from unprotected sun exposure or indoor tanning devices. Supplementing with vitamin D goes a long way towards inhibiting deficiency: we recommend about 5,000 IU –8,000 IU of vitamin D3 a day.
Cognitive health. Vitamin D is important for maintaining cognitive health and function as you age. Healthy serum vitamin D levels have been shown to correspond with better scores on cognitive health tests and better maintenance of cognitive ability in aging individuals.1-4
Bone and immune health
Vitamin D (along with vitamin K and essential minerals) is essential for facilitating the transport of calcium into the bone matrix. This is an important step in maintaining strong, healthy bones and teeth. Vitamin D also plays a critical role in healthy immune function.5,6
Heart health & blood pressure support. Vitamin D helps to regulate the body’s calcium balance while facilitating calcium absorption into the bloodstream, promotes a healthy inflammatory response in the cardiovascular system, and encourages healthy endothelial function.7,8 Vitamin D also helps inhibit excess renin levels. Healthy renin levels help maintain healthy blood pressure already within the normal range.
Natural mint flavor has been added to Life Extension's Liquid Vitamin D3 for improved palatability.
