Vitamin D3: Sources, Benefits & How to Get Enough

Vitamin D is an important part of the diet, aiding in bone growth and playing a role in preventing other diseases. The most common forms of vitamin D are D2 and D3.

Exposure to Sunshine

• When sunlight interacts with chemicals in your skin, your body produces the D3 form of vitamin D, which is processed in your liver.

Cod Liver Oil

• Cod liver oil contains significant levels of vitamin D3.

Supplements

• D2 is the most common form of vitamin D found in supplements, but it is possible to find supplements containing D3.

Considerations

• Avoiding sun and consistently wearing sunblock can lead to a deficiency in D3 levels. It is much easier to take in adequate levels of D3 through sun exposure than to do so with supplements or food sources.

Benefits

• In addition to promoting strong bones, vitamin D3 is thought to play a role in protecting against heart disease and cancer.