Vitamin D3 is critical to the body. Bone health is an important aspect of overall health often overlooked by many Americans. One of the most well known nutrients for bone health is calcium; however, research is finding that calcium alone may not be enough. Vitamin D is essential for maintaining adequate serum calcium and phosphate concentrations; it is also needed for bone growth and bone remodeling.

Without enough vitamin D, bones can become brittle, thin, or misshapen.

It is not always practical to get your vitamin D from sunshine, and quite difficult to get adequate amounts form your diet. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is not naturally present in many foods. So, for many people, a Vitamin D3 supplement is a practical way to ensure adequate levels of this important protector are always available in your bloodstream.

In a recent study, individuals taking 3.320 IU of vitamin D per day significantly improved parameters indicating better cardiovascular health. Those taking vitamin D also had lower triglycerides.

Vitamin D3 is especially important in coming into the summer months because weight gain during the winter is likely in part due to a lack of time spent in the sun and thus a lack of adequate vitamin D. Now that it is summer, you should be replinishing your vitamin D levels with 2,000 to 5,000 IU of vitamin D per day.