Vitamin D3 is a fat-soluble vitamin produced in the skin when exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from sunlight. It is also found in some foods and supplements. The body needs vitamin D3 to maintain proper bone structure and to facilitate the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the gut. Without sufficient levels of this vitamin, individuals may face a higher risk of developing bone disorders such as osteoporosis or rickets in children, as well as compromised immune health.
While there are two primary forms of vitamin D—D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol)—vitamin D3 is considered the more effective of the two in raising blood levels of vitamin D [3].