It seems like vitamin D3 supplements are advertised everywhere – cereal is fortified with this stuff, commercials exclaim excitedly about the benefits, and doctors are suggesting that you take them daily.

But Why? What is the purpose of vitamin D3 supplements, and why should you take them?

D3 is used for many important bodily processes (in fact, you can’t live without it!) but not everybody needs these extra vitamins. Keep reading to learn about the various uses of vitamin D3.

Vitamin D3 Supplements for Daily Health

Most people need between 400 and 4000 IU of vitamin D a day to remain healthy. Not only does the D3 interact with calcium to promote bone growth and prevent the dangers of deficiency, getting an adequate daily dose is said to reduce the chances of serious diseases like osteoporosis and even cancer.

Although regular exposure to unfiltered sunlight can usually provide enough vitamins to make even the best vitamin D3 supplements unnecessary, very few people are able to get the right amount because of skin tone, recreation preferences, location, work habits, or certain health conditions.

If you can’t get at least ten minutes of low-intensity sunlight a day, then you may want to talk to your doctor about starting a regular routine of vitamin D3 supplements.

Pregnant and nursing mothers may need extra vitamins regardless of sun exposure, because D3 deficiency in children and babies can cause permanent bone abnormalities.

Vitamin D3 Supplements for Medical Conditions

Doctors have been known to prescribe or recommend vitamin D3 supplements for patients with compromised immune systems, an inability to receive natural sunlight, lactose intolerance, chronic inflammation, and sometimes even general fatigue.

The most common medical use for vitamin D3 supplements, however, is to treat simple vitamin D deficiencies, which can increase the risk of osteoporosis, cognitive impairment, severe asthma, and cardiovascular disease.

However, before you seek out a vitamin D3 supplement to alleviate or treat any of the symptoms listed, make sure that you consult your doctor first – your symptoms may actually be the cause of something more serious than D3 deficiency. A thorough deficiency screening and diet assessment may be necessary.

Most people who work indoors become vitamin D deficient at some point or another, especially those with dietary restrictions or night jobs.

Don’t wait until serious complications develop – talk to your doctor about what vitamin D3 supplements can do for you!