Vitamin D Supplements: Uses, Benefits, Risks

Vitamin D supplements are oral products that provide the body with additional vitamin D, crucial for various physiological processes.
Category
Supplement
Where to get
Widely sold over the counter in pharmacies, health food stores, and online retailers
Applicable for
Prepared by Nick Harper, reviewed by Dr. David James Simpson

Vitamin D supplements FAQ


Image credit: walmart.com

Is vitamin D a dietary supplement?

It is also available in dietary supplements containing only vitamin D or vitamin D combined with a few other nutrients. The two forms of vitamin D in supplements are D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol). Both forms increase vitamin D in your blood, but D3 might raise it higher and for longer than D2.

Where can I buy vitamin D supplements?

You can buy vitamin D supplements or vitamin drops containing vitamin D (for under 5s) at most pharmacies and supermarkets. Women and children who qualify for the Healthy Start scheme can get free supplements containing vitamin D. See the Healthy Start website for more information.

Why is vitamin D important?

Vitamin D helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body. These nutrients are needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. A lack of vitamin D can lead to bone deformities such as rickets in children, and bone pain caused by a condition called osteomalacia in adults.

Vitamin D supplements References

If you want to know more about Vitamin D supplements, consider exploring links below:

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