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Vitamins
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
In plain language
The sunshine vitamin. Needed for strong bones and a healthy immune system, especially if you do not get much sun.
Is it an approved medication?
No — not an approved medication
No - sold as a food supplement, not a medication
How strong is the evidence?
Strong if you are actually deficient; weaker if your levels are already normal
The main thing to know
Get your blood level checked before taking a high dose long-term.
Mechanism
Steroid hormone converted to calcitriol; regulates calcium homeostasis, muscle function and innate immunity.
Potential benefits
- Correction of serum deficiency
- Bone mineral density
- Muscle function in deficient subjects
- Reduced respiratory infections
Regulatory status
Authorized food supplement; EU upper limit 100 µg/day in adults