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Cholecalciferol for Vitamin D deficiencies: How does it work? What's the science behind it?

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the digestion of calcium. It improves the ability of our body to absorb calcium and phosphate from the villi in our intestines, regulates the rate at which bones release calcium in our bloodstream, and also promotes the reabsorption of it back into the kidneys. This way, calcium levels are constantly maintained in our bodies and ensure that our bones are nice and strong. But, when your vitamin D levels are low due to a lack of sun exposure, a nutritionally deficient diet, or a metabolic syndrome; cholecalciferol is often advised by a healthcare professional or a doctor to help your body get back to normal. Cholecalciferol, more commonly known as vitamin D3, is an inactive form of the biologically useful form of vitamin D in the body. When cholecalciferol is ingested externally through dietary supplements, it is subjected to multiple chemical reactions in the body that finally cause an increase in the Vitamin D levels in our blood.

How cholecalciferol turns into biologically active Vitamin D:

·        Cholecalciferol is transported to the liver through the bloodstream after digestion. In the liver, cholecalciferol undergoes hydroxylation (addition of a hydroxyl group (-OH)) by an enzyme called 25-hydroxylase to turn into 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, usually called Calcidiol.

·        Then, the next part takes place in the kidneys, where the Calcidiol is further hydroxylated once again by 1-Alpha-hydroxylase (another enzyme) to produce the biologically active form of vitamin D, scientifically written as 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol or Calcitrol.

Side effects due to excess consumption (albeit rare and generally safe to use):

·        Hypercalcemia: When your blood has too much calcium in it, which can manifest into symptoms of nausea, vomiting, constipation, increased thirst, frequent urination, muscle weakness, cognitive difficulties, kidney stones, etc.

·        Calcium deposits: Long-term hypercalcemia can cause calcium to deposit in your blood vessels, kidneys, and other organs, resulting in impaired functioning of these organs.

·        Digestive issues: Excess vitamin D can cause digestive tract irritation, causing the symptoms similar to hypercalcemia, like nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.

·        Weakened bones: Ironically, too much vitamin D can also cause weak bones due to the hypercalcemia associated with excess vitamin D consumption.

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