Vitamin D3
UK adults are systematically deficient. D3 (cholecalciferol) raises 25-OH-D levels 3× more effectively than D2. Required for calcium absorption, immune modulation, and muscle function. SACN recommends 400 IU as the reference nutrient intake; 2,000 IU is a meaningful therapeutic dose.
Mechanism
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is the form synthesised in skin under UVB radiation. It requires hepatic hydroxylation to 25-OH-D3, then renal hydroxylation to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol) - the active hormone that binds vitamin D receptors (VDR) in virtually every tissue. VDR-mediated signalling regulates calcium and phosphate homeostasis, immune function, muscle protein synthesis, and gene expression across hundreds of genes.
UK Public Health England data shows that ~40% of adults have 25-OH-D levels below 25 nmol/L in winter and spring. SACN (2016) set the RNI at 400 IU/day to prevent deficiency - but this is a threshold dose, not an optimal dose. Studies targeting 25-OH-D levels above 75 nmol/L - associated with optimal immune and musculoskeletal function - require 1,500-2,000 IU/day supplementation in most UK adults.
Key Benefits
- Required for calcium and phosphate absorption
- VDR-mediated immune modulation across virtually every tissue
- Supports muscle protein synthesis and function
- ~40% of UK adults deficient in winter - supplementation essential
- 2,000 IU matches the dose used in published clinical research
The Research
Peer-reviewed human trials supporting this ingredient at this dose.
Vitamin D3
2,000 IUCholecalciferol - lanolin-derived
Take with food containing fat - D3 is fat-soluble. Morning is preferred by some to support circadian rhythm. 2,000 IU is within the upper safe limit (4,000 IU per SACN 2016).