Vitamin D gets lots of hype. Known as the sunshine vitamin, Vitamin D is created in the skin directly from sunlight, and Vitamin D is essential for the proper maintenance of our bones and teeth. Who knew the sun could be that powerful?

Yet, you probably didn’t know that there are two types of  Vitamin D known as Vitamin D3 and Vitamin D2. So, what’s the difference between these two? What else should you know? In this article, we’re going to shed some light on Vitamin D, as well as what happens when you have a Vitamin D3 deficiency. Let’s dive in!

What is Vitamin D3?

Vitamin D3, called cholecalciferol, and Vitamin D2, called ergocalciferol, both contribute to overall Vitamin D in the body. However, the major difference is that D3 is the more absorbable Vitamin D when compared to D2. This is why you’ll often see “Vitamin D3” as part of a supplement formula as opposed to “Vitamin D2.”

And Vitamin D3 comes with tons of benefits, including:

1. Vitamin D3 might play a role in preventing disease.

There are countless research studies exploring the benefits of Vitamin D3. More specifically, having sufficient Vitamin D levels has been associated with a decreased risk of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It has further been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, decrease the risk of severe illness, and contribute to overall good immune health.

2. It can help regulate your mood.

Research has shown how individuals with depression experienced improved symptoms when taking Vitamin D supplementation. Other studies further show how adequate Vitamin D intake may reduce anxiety.

3. It might support healthy weight loss.

Surprisingly, individuals with excess weight are more likely to experience a Vitamin D deficiency. Yet, individuals on a weight loss plan that included Vitamin D supplementation as part of their regime actually lose more weight than those who didn’t. In other words, if you’re looking to get back in shape and lose some excess weight, getting more Vitamin D might just help (and help you improve your overall health!).

What Happens If You Lack Vitamin D3?

A Vitamin D3 deficiency may produce various symptoms, including aches, pains, tiredness, muscle pain, muscle weakness, bone pain, and even stress fractures. On top of this, you might notice a drop in your mood, a weak immune system, and allergies. You may also potentially develop other serious diseases. For instance, a Vitamin D3 deficiency in children can result in rickets, a disease where the bones become soft and bendable.

How do you know if you have a Vitamin D3 deficiency? The only way to know for sure is to get tested. A visit to your doctor’s office for a blood test should suffice. If you are deficient, your doctor will likely recommend Vitamin D supplementation. Most adults require about 15 mcg or 600 IU of Vitamin D3 per day.

Get Your Vitamin D3 Today!

While regular sun exposure, such as 10-30 minutes a day, can help your body actively create Vitamin D. You also canobtain Vitamin D via the food you eat. Some foods high in Vitamin D3 include fatty fish, cheese, and eggs. In some areas or on particularly moody days, or different life styles, you might not be able to get enough Vitamin D.  In this case, taking Vitamin D3 supplements, such as Life Nutrition's Organic Baby Vitamin D3,  Algae Calcium, Kids Calcium, or Baby DHA Complete formulas, can help boost your energy and immunity, keeping your body and health in tip-top shape.