What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, and for the maintenance of normal levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood. Vitamin D is also important for healthy bones, teeth, and muscles.
Vitamin D can be obtained from certain foods, such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified milk, and it can also be made in the skin when exposed to sunlight. The body produces vitamin D when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. UV rays from the sun trigger the production of vitamin D in the skin, and it is then absorbed into the blood.
Vitamin D is important for healthy bones and teeth because it helps the body absorb and use calcium, which is essential for bone health. Vitamin D also helps the body use phosphorus, which is also important for bone health.
Vitamin D is also important for muscle function and strength, and it helps regulate the immune system and may help protect against certain types of cancer.
What is Vitamin D3?
Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays an essential role in bone health, muscle function, and regulating the immune system. It is produced in the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight, and it can also be found in some fortified foods and dietary supplements.
It helps the body absorb and use calcium, which is important for strong bones. Vitamin D3 also helps regulate muscle movement and nerve impulses and is important for the functioning of the immune system.
Vitamin D3 deficiency can lead to a variety of health problems, including an increased risk of osteoporosis, respiratory infections, and autoimmune diseases.
People who are at risk for vitamin D3 deficiency may need to take a supplement or eat foods fortified with vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is an essential nutrient for bone and muscle health, and it helps regulate the immune system. People can get vitamin D3 from exposure to sunlight, as well as from certain foods and dietary supplements.
Difference Between Vitamin D and Vitamin D3
- Vitamin D is a fat-soluble pro-hormone that is mainly synthesized from exposure to sunlight, while Vitamin D3 is a synthesized form of Vitamin D.
- Vitamin D is available in different forms including D2 and D3, but Vitamin D3 is the most popular and active form.
- Vitamin D is mainly produced in the body, while Vitamin D3 is available in some foods and dietary supplements.
- Vitamin D plays an important role in calcium absorption and bone health, while Vitamin D3 helps to regulate the immune system and is important for the absorption of phosphorus and calcium.
- Vitamin D plays a role in reducing inflammation and preventing infections, while Vitamin D3 helps to maintain healthy levels of serum calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.
Comparison Between Vitamin D and Vitamin D3
| Parameter of Comparison | Vitamin D | Vitamin D3 |
| Type | Hormone-like chemical | Steroid hormone |
| Production | UVB radiation helps the skin produce the Vitamin | Produced in the liver from dietary sources |
| Absorption | Absorbed in the small intestine | Absorbed in the large intestine |
| Deficiency | Rickets and osteoporosis can result from vitamin D deficiency | Vitamin D3 deficiency can cause muscle weakness and an increased risk of fractures |
| Usage | Mainly used for the treatment of Vitamin D deficiency | used to prevent and cure a variety of medical disorders |