Vitamin D3 (Colecalciferol)

Vitamin D3 (Colecalciferol) Claims

Vitamin D3 maintains and supports immune system health

Vitamin D3 plays an important role in supporting both the mother's and baby's health during pregnancy.

First, vitamin D helps to maintain a healthy immune system in the mother. Vitamin D receptors are found on many immune cells, allowing vitamin D to modulate immune responses. Adequate vitamin D status during pregnancy has been linked with lower risks of infections and autoimmune disorders. This helps ensure the pregnancy proceeds smoothly with minimal health complications.

Secondly, vitamin D supports the development of the baby's bones and teeth. The baby depends on vitamin D stored in the mother's body. Vitamin D aids in absorbing calcium from the mother's diet to build the baby's developing skeleton. It also helps regulate the expression of genes involved in bone mineralisation. A vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy could impact the baby's bone and tooth development.

Vitamin D3 maintains and supports skin health

Vitamin D helps maintain and support skin health in several ways. Vitamin D receptors are found in skin cells, allowing vitamin D to influence skin functions. Firstly, vitamin D supports the skin's barrier function. The skin barrier helps prevent water loss and block harmful substances from entering the body. Vitamin D also aids in the production of proteins that strengthen the skin barrier.

Secondly, vitamin D promotes wound healing by activating genes that are involved in wound healing. This helps speed up wound closure time and reduce the risk of infection. 

Vitamin D supports skin cell growth and differentiation by influencing the proliferation, maturation and death of skin cells. An optimal level of vitamin D ensures healthy skin cell turnover and maintenance of the skin barrier, and a lack of vitamin D can disrupt these processes and contribute to conditions like psoriasis and eczema.

Vitamin D helps to regulate the skin's immune system as it activates immune cells within the skin that fights off bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. This helps maintain the skin’s defenses against infection. A deficiency in Vitamin D has been linked to impaired skin immunity and a higher risk of inflammatory skin conditions.

References:

Braun, L., & Cohen, M. (2014). Herbs & Natural Supplements – An Evidence-Based Guide. Elsevier.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand. (2017). Schedule 4 Nutrition health and related claims. Schedule 1 RDI and ESADDI. Australia Government. Federal Register of Legislation.

Jamison, J. (2003). Clinical Guide to Nutrition & Dietary Supplements in Disease Management.

Marshall, N. E., et al (2022, May). The importance of nutrition in pregnancy and lactation: lifelong consequences. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 226(5), 607–632. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2021.12.035

Murray, M. (1996). Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Harmony.

Gropper, S., Smith, J., & Groff, J. (2009). Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism (5th ed.). Wadsworth Cengage Learning.

NHMRC. (2014). Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand. Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/nutrient-reference-values/nutrients/vitamin-d (accessed November 28, 2023).

Reavley, N. (1998). The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements and Herbs. Bookman Press.