Xiang Yu Li Computer graphics technology student Spring 2022
Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)
Discovery
www.naturewise.com
Prior to the twentieth centrury, the nature of what was essential to the human diet was unknown. However, around 1913, two researchers, McCollum and Davis discovered vitamin A and started what has lead to common day supplements. Originally vitamin D was discovered as a cure to a disease common in the United Kingdom at the time, “rickets” where the researchers initially thought that the cure was due to vitamin A, but after isolating vitamin A out, discovered that the cause of the disease was due to a different vitamin deficiency which they named “vitamin D” Common Use The most common use, and study of vitamin D is in relation to bone strength, primarily due to vitamin D deficiency. Other reasons for common use involve COVID-19 prevention, muscle strength/function augmenting, cancer prevention, and support for depression prevention/treatment. Pharmacology In its primary function, vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that when activated promotes intestinal calcium absorption. Vitamin D enables normal bone mineralization, growth, and remodeling. Other roles of vitamin D includes reduction of inflammation, modulation of cell growth, neuromuscular, immune function, and glucose metabolism. Dosage Many dosage recommendations operate with 1,000 – 2,000 IU (25 – 50 mcg) as the minimum intake of supplementation, however supplements with much higher dosages are available in a few different forms. The main forms of intake for vitamin D available are in either liquid, or tablet form as an oral supplement with dosages ranging commonly from 500 – 5,000 IU with lower and higher dosages appearing less frequently. In general, supplements are taken in the range of 1000 – 2000 IU per tablet, as one tablet, once per day. However, there are sources that claim benefit from higher amounts of intake. 117
