What is the purpose of taking a D3 supplement?
D3 is mainly used to supplement vitamin D deficiency. Clinically, it is used to treat rickets, osteomalacia, and infantile tetany; or to prevent vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to reduced absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the intestine, reduced reabsorption of calcium and phosphorus by the kidneys, resulting in abnormal mineralization of bones and teeth, bone deformities, etc. Such conditions include: rickets, osteomalacia, tetany, osteoporosis, etc. Similarly, excessive intake of vitamin D can also lead to poisoning, often manifesting as anorexia, nausea, vomiting, causing hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria, leading to calcium deposition in soft tissues and irreversible kidney and myocardial damage. Animal-based foods are the main source of natural vitamin D, such as fatty seafood and fish roe. Lean meat, nuts, human milk, and cow's milk contain lower levels of vitamin D, while vegetables, grains, and their products, and fruits contain little or almost no vitamin D.
