Vitamin D3: why it is important for the immune system

Vitamin D represents a group of fat-soluble pro-hormones consisting of 5 different vitamins: Vitamin D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5. The human body is able to recognize only two of these 5 vitamins: vitamin D2, or ergocalciferol, and vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol.

Numerous studies have shown that D3 is the most effective vitamin, even when supplemented for therapeutic purposes. Its best-known function is to fix calcium in the bones, thus counteracting the fragility of the latter.

Actually, Vitamin D acts as a hormone that regulates various organs and systems. In fact, it has a modulating action against the inflammatory response and ensures the normal function of the immune system. Low vitamin D3 levels are associated with different types of diseases, such as diabetes, heart attack, Alzheimer’s, asthma, and so on.

Part of the vitamin D3 comes from food. Being a fat-soluble vitamin, the foods in which it is found most are fatty fish (such as salmon, mackerel, cod liver oil, etc.), egg yolk, and liver.

Even sun exposure is able to promote the production of this vitamin, which is why D3 is known as the “sun vitamin”.

Vitamin D3 deficiency symptoms

Low vitamin D levels have the main consequence of reducing the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. In addition to having a structural function, these minerals are also involved in numerous metabolic processes, for example in muscle contraction.

In addition, vitamin D deficiency would also negatively affect the health of the whole body. Vague manifestations could be linked to a deficiency, as well as more serious problems, such as:

  • Headache
  • Unexplained fatigue
  • Mood alterations
  • Loss of strength
  • Muscle aches
  • Increased frequency of infections
  • Increase in the incidence of autoimmune diseases
  • Increase in the incidence of diabetes
  • Increased levels of LDL (“bad” cholesterol fat)
  • Difficulty in wound healing

Consequences of Vitamin D Deficiency

When, due to a lack of vitamin D, there is a reduced concentration of calcium and phosphorus in the blood, the body will be forced to induce a release of these precious minerals from the bones. However, in the long run, all this will weaken the bone structure, and over time, it can be the cause of various diseases. The best known and most feared medically are:

  • Osteoporosis. In this pathology the bone density decreases more and more, exposing the person suffering from it to the risk of fractures and bone injuries. The bones get very weak, and in severe cases, you can see how the bones become porous. It is more common in women after menopause, but it doesn’t just affect them. A vitamin D deficiency is associated with a high probability of osteoporosis.
  • Osteomalacia. This disorder occurs when the inside of the bones doesn’t get enough minerals to make bones. It is known as a defect in the mineralization of the bone matrix. The consequences are pain and deformity of the body. It too is related to the lack of vitamin D.
  • Rickets. This terrible disease is similar to osteomalacia but occurs in children. It attacks the growing bone and causes serious and potentially disabling malformations. Currently, in more developed countries there is no such risk as many products and baby foods are enriched with vitamin D and calcium, preventing the appearance of rickets in most children.

Vitamin D3 and K2

Vitamin K, like vitamin D, is a fat-soluble substance. It was discovered by the Danish doctor Henrik Dam for its indispensable role in blood clotting, and he named it “vitamin K” for this very reason (from ‘clotting’ in German).

There are five variants of this vitamin. The two natural derivatives, useful for our body, are vitamin K1 or phylloquinone (abundant in green foods of vegetable origin) and vitamin K2 or menaquinone (present in foods of animal origin and in fermented products).

Although both vitamins are essential factors for our body, vitamin K2 is associated with less calcium deposits in blood vessels, improving vascular health. Vitamin K1, on the other hand, does not have this property.

Vitamin K2 also contributes to bone mineralization by sequestering minerals, such as calcium, which are capable of impairing the functioning of other organs.

It is for this reason that Vitamin D3 and K2 can work together to enhance their beneficial actions. Vitamin K2, in fact, will allow vitamin D3 to exert its effects avoiding the adverse effects related to the cardiovascular system.

For this reason, vitamin K2 can often also be present in the vitamin D3 dietary supplement.

Vitamin D3 and the immune system

There is considerable scientific evidence that vitamin D3 has a beneficial effect on the immune system.

It has anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties and is essential for activating the defenses of the immune system. It can also improve specific immunity or adaptive immunity and reduce the onset of autoimmune diseases.

Vitamin D is known to stimulate the function of white blood cells, including T helper lymphocytes and macrophages. These cells circulate in the blood, and in the presence of foreign agents or even infected cells, they are able to recognize foreign substances and attack them effectively, making them harmless to any cell and causing them to be expelled through the lymphatic vessels.

Additionally, vitamin D deficiency is related to impaired lung function, which can affect the body’s ability to fight respiratory infections.

Natural supplement of Vitamin D3 and K2

Especially during the winter period, vitamin D deficiency is a fairly common problem. It becomes difficult to stay in the sun, we move less and in terms of food, we tend to eat more caloric and less healthy foods. There are also categories of people who are more at risk of vitamin D deficiencies, such as menopausal women and people of a certain age in general.

It is therefore important, for preventive purposes, to supplement vitamin D3 if necessary, not only for bone health but also to give the right support to our immune system.

PromoPharma® has studied a new set of vitamin and mineral supplements specific to support the immune system: Botanical Mix® Pocket.

Specifically, Botanical Mix® Vitamin D3 + K2 Pocket represents the best source of Vitamin D3 combined with Vitamin K2 for maximum benefit for bones, arteries, and the immune system.

The stick-pack format allows to obtain:

  • Better compliance than capsules and tablets;
  • Greater protection of the active ingredients thanks to the barrier effect that is created;
  • A reduction of the environmental impact;
  • Better comfort of use and transport.

When to take this supplement?

  • Vitamin D deficiency in the blood
  • Osteomalacia in adults and rickets in children
  • Muscle weakness
  • Lowering of the immune defenses
  • Infections

How to take it?

  • We recommend taking 1 stick pack per day, as it is or diluted in a little water, (100 ml – approximately half a glass).
Avatar Di Team Scientifico R&S PromoPharma

Un team di medici qualificati, con oltre 20 anni di esperienza nel settore dell'integrazione alimentare e della fitoterapia, propone articoli e approfondimenti con cognizione scientifica, basandosi su studi clinici pubblicati su riviste internazionali e condotti da istituti riconosciuti.

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