Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, is produced by our body in response to being under the sun.

Let’s take a look at this nutrient’s wonderful benefits for our skin, hair and overall health and learn how we can always have our daily dose of Vitamin D goodness.

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble steroids which help us absorb calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and process other biological reactions.

Although widely known as a vitamin, Vitamin D is actually an essential hormone in our body. When circulated in the bloodstream, Vitamin D increases nutrient absorption from food.

It's common knowledge that Vitamin D plays a significant role in maintaining bone strength and density. Additionally, this essential vitamin offers a wide range of health benefits for our brain, heart, muscles, skin, and hair.

The sunshine vitamin

The sun is the primary source of Vitamin D for our body. It's often called the “sunshine vitamin." We synthesize it when the skin has exposure to ultraviolet rays. It's the only vitamin we need but don’t get from food sources!

Vitamin D connects us with nature. It's no wonder there is so much to marvel about this much-needed sunshine vitamin.

Forms of Vitamin D

Collectively known as Calcitriol, Vitamin D is available in five different forms:

Vitamin D1 - D1 is a mixture of molecular compounds known as ergocalciferol and lumisterol.

Vitamin D2 - D2 is also known as ergocalciferol. Invertebrates, fungus, and plants produce it in response to sunlight.

Vitamin D3 - D3 is known as cholecalciferol. It gets produced by our skin when 7-dehydrocholesterol reacts with ultraviolet light from the sun.

Vitamin D4 - D4 is known as dihydroergocalciferol.

Vitamin D5 - D5 is known as sitocalciferol.

Out of these five forms, the two most important are Vitamins D2 and D3.

Vitamin D2 vs Vitamin D3

There are two forms of Vitamin D. Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3. Fortified foods and supplements may contain either or both Vitamin D2 and D3. Both forms of Vitamin D are equal. However, they differ in how they are sourced and produced.

However, research suggests that one form is a much better source of Vitamin D than the other.

Vitamin D2

Plants produce Vitamin D2. Humans don’t. Some consider it a lower quality source of vitamin D. However; it's cheaper to produce. That's why it is commonly used to fortify foods like cereals and juices.

Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3 is synthesized by humans when the skin gets exposed to UV rays from the sun. We can also get it from eating animals that store this essential vitamin in their fat.

A study showed that vitamin D3 is more effective when it comes to maintaining serum concentrations since the binding protein has a higher affinity to vitamin D3 compared to Vitamin D2.

This binding protein allows the vitamin D3 to remain in our bloodstream longer, increasing its efficacy in our body at an accelerated rate.

Although we need both forms, Vitamin D3 is considered a better source of vitamin D due to being a higher quality, more stable form of the vitamin that’s better for health and well-being.

Vitamin D Benefits

The role of vitamin D continues to expand as understanding of this vitamins effect on our body becomes available. Here are some of the known benefits of Vitamin D to our body:

Skin

Vitamin D helps repair skin damage and prevent infections as a result of skin injuries. Topical application can relieve symptoms of psoriasis including itchy and flaky skin. Additionally, Vitamin D has strong anti-inflammatory properties which are useful in treating burns, skin damage, and even stretch marks.

When taken as a supplement or included in your diet, Vitamin D is a great antioxidant that helps prevent skin damage and premature skin aging.

• Rejuvenates skin
• Treats psoriasis
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antioxidant

Hair

Vitamin D is present in healthy hair follicles and is generally lacking in unhealthy follicles. This essential vitamin acts on keratinocytes of our hair, helping to initiate hair follicle cycling and stimulate hair growth.

Lack of Vitamin D can cause hair loss. Our hair follicles have Vitamin D receptors and inhibiting them of this essential vitamin during the growth phase can result in female-pattern baldness or alopecia areata.

• Thicker hair
• Combats hair loss

Bones and Muscles

One of the main tasks of Vitamin D in our body is to help the intestine better absorb nutrients such as calcium, magnesium and phosphorous. Since Vitamin D allows our body to absorb more of these nutrients, health problems such as osteomalacia, brittle bones, and a weak muscular system become less likely.

Vitamin D provides calcium absorption in our body, which helps prevent arthritis, and relieves body aches and pains by reducing muscle spasms.

• Stronger muscles and bones
• Supports dental health
• Relieves muscle pain

Brain

Research has found that vitamin D is very important in anti-aging and a deficiency has shown age-related cognitive decline. Those with lower levels of Vitamin D have more risk of developing dementia. Research shows that vitamin D helps boost the mood and helps fight depression.

• Fights depression
• Improves memory
• Supports neural growth and development

Other Health Benefits

Low levels of Vitamin D increases the risk of heart attacks and early death. Also, Vitamin D regulates blood pressure and in turn, reduces stress and tension.

Vitamin D boosts the immune system and helps combat against sickness including colds and flus. It also reduces the severity and frequency of asthma symptoms.

• Regulates blood pressure
• Boosts immune system
• Combats asthma

Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D plays a significant role in many of the primary bodily functions. The lack of optimal levels can lead to vitamin D deficiency diseases.

Preventing a Vitamin D Deficiency related disease is better than treating it later.

What Are The Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency?

Vitamin D deficiency is incredibly common. Most people are unaware that they have it since most symptoms are subtle and asymptomatic. Because of this, it is difficult to know if the symptoms are a result of low vitamin D levels or other causes. In 2018, 42% of Americans were found to be deficient in the essential sunshine vitamin.

Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency:

Compromised Immunity

Vitamin D plays important roles in immune function. The lack of it leads to an increased risk of illness, infections, and fatigue. Deficiency can lead to an increased risk of illness or infections.

Bone Problems

Studies show that low blood levels of vitamin D is a contributing factor to bone pain and lower back pain. A diagnosis of low bone mineral density can indicate a vitamin D deficiency.

Depression

Depression is associated with low vitamin D levels. Studies show that supplementing improves a person’s mood. Research finds a correlation between people with suicidal tendencies and vitamin D deficiency.

Slower wound healing

Vitamin D helps repair skin damage. Not having enough vitamin D may lead to poor wound healing especially after surgery, injury or an infection.

Hair loss

Vitamin D is essential for hair growth and a sign of vitamin D deficiency can be female-pattern hair loss or the autoimmune condition of alopecia areata.

Muscle pain

Studies have found a strong link between chronic muscular pain and low blood levels of vitamin D, which may be due to the interaction between vitamin D and our pain-sensing nerve cells.

If you’re unsure about your levels of vitamin D, talk to your healthcare provider to have your vitamin D levels tested.

What Increases the Risk of Vitamin D Deficiency?

We mainly get vitamin D from sun exposure and diet. However, there are still many factors that increase our risk of low vitamin D levels. Among them are the following:

Lifestyle

Limited exposure to sunlight is one of the primary and most common reasons for Vitamin D deficiency. Factors that reduce Vitamin D include exposure to high pollution, living in big cities, and clothes that cover the skin when outdoors.

Sunscreen Use

Sunscreen blocks the harmful UVB rays of the sun. However, they also hinder the skin’s production of vitamin D. If you use sunscreen daily, you are more likely to be low in vitamin D.

Location and season

Where you live and the time of year both affects how much sunlight you get. You get more sunlight and more vitamin D during the summer compared to winter. People who live farther from the equator also produce less vitamin D because the sun is at a lower angle in the sky.

Skin tone

Skin melanin acts as a “natural sunscreen” and reduces the skin‘s ability to absorb Vitamin D. Think of melanin like a crystal. When UV rays hit it, the ray scatters making it less harmful to DNA. This is why people who have a darker skin tone are more prone to vitamin D deficiency.

Age

As we age, our kidneys are less efficient at converting Vitamin D into its active form. Older individuals are more likely to have lower vitamin D levels for this reason.

Obesity

Because Vitamin D is extracted from the blood by fat cells, having extra fat cells can alter its release into circulation. People with excess body fat have a higher chance for lower vitamin D levels.

Sources of Vitamin D

Vitamin D comes from the following three major sources:

Sunlight

For adequate amounts of Vitamin D3 synthesis, we require 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure at least twice a week. Our skin needs exposure to sunlight with a greater than 3 UV index without sunscreen.

According to studies, the best time to be under the sun is between 11 am and 1 pm since the wavelength of the UVB rays during this period is optimal for our skin to make vitamin D.

Food

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin which means it can be dissolved and stored in fats. Vitamin D is available in small quantities in limited food sources. Most of them come from eating animals that are high in fat such as:

• Oily fishes (salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel)
• Red meat
• Liver
• Egg yolks
• Fortified foods

Supplements

If you're not getting enough sunlight or you don’t get enough vitamin D from your diet, supplementation is an option.

Introducing YEOUTH Vitamin D3 Liquid

Liquid vs Capsules vs Tablets

Vitamin D supplements, regardless of whether they’re in tablet, capsule and liquid form produce the same health benefits for our body. However, liquid form is best. It increases the bioavailability of Vitamin D. 

Your body absorbs liquid vitamins better

Unlike capsules and tablets, liquid vitamins don’t need to be broken down and digested. Liquid supplements are more bioavailable, so they’re readily absorbed in the body, ensuring users receive their full benefits.

Our body absorbs approximately 98 percent of the vitamins and minerals contained in liquid form.

You can modify liquid doses

Using a liquid supplement allows you to modify the dose. If the supplement is shared with others, recommended dosage can vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I take this Vitamin D3 Liquid?

Shake well before using. Take one drop; one to five times daily by itself or mixed with a liquid, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

Is a serving one drop or one dropper full?

This supplement is a very concentrated form of vitamin D3 and ONE to FIVE DROPS are enough to meet your daily vitamin D3 requirement. Do not take a full dropper.

What is the source of this vitamin D3?

Our vitamin D3 is sourced from lanolin which is a by-product of sheep’s wool.

Is this product vegan?

Our Vitamin D3 is not considered vegan. Sheeps are not harmed in sourcing this product and it is up to the individual’s choice.

How does this taste?

It is relatively tasteless.

Is this product organic?

This is a Non-GMO formula but it is not certified organic.

Is this product gluten free?

Yes, this supplement is gluten-free.

Does this contain soy?

No soy is present in this product. 

Is it possible to add this to food, like a protein shake?

Yes. However, we do not advise adding it to hot food or beverages.

Where are the ingredients sourced?

Our ingredients are sourced from the USA, Argentina & France.

Can I use this topically and add it to my skincare products?

This supplement is formulated for oral consumption. We do not make any claims to its absorption of efficacy when used on the skin. We do not have knowledge on whether this supplement’s addition to a skincare product would have an impact on the skin care product’s consistency or efficacy. Use in this way is at one's own risk.

What is the shelf life of a bottle?

Vitamin D3 has a shelf life of four years. Each bottle lists an expiration date.

How should I store this product?

Store in refrigerator after opening and keep out of reach of children.

Are You Getting Enough Vitamin D?

Everybody is different and individual vitamin D levels can vary depending on the time of year, your job, your clothing and even your skin type.

Looking at the benefits of vitamin D we must always ensure that we are getting enough doses of it from sunlight, from our diet or from a daily supplement. Take vitamin D according to your doctor’s advice and enjoy the goodness of the sun. Let’s stay healthy everyone!

Do you think you are getting enough vitamin D from the sun? How about your diet? Share to us how you ensure that you get enough Vitamin D in the comments below!