Vitamins are naturally-occurring organic compounds that are helpful for enabling the healthy growth and development of human beings. In many cases, a person can obtain all of the vitamins and minerals their body needs in order to function by way of a healthy, well-balanced diet. For some people, however, either due to dietary restrictions or other health issues, making sure your body has access to all the vitamins and minerals it needs requires the use of vitamin supplements. Always consult your primary care physician before taking vitamin supplements to ensure that there is no potential for reactions to other medications or other adverse effects.

One of the most important vitamins for sustaining human health and longevity is vitamin D – the two most common forms of which are D2 and D3. Scientists generally agree that more research is needed to know how vitamin D2 and D3 affect the human body differently, some studies suggest that D3 supplements may be more effective than D2. And while most people may get their required vitamin D from natural exposure to sunlight, a number of factors can contribute to or prevent a person’s body from producing vitamin D when naturally exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D3 deficiency symptoms may include things like trouble sleeping, aches and pains in the skeletal structure, hair loss, and appetite loss, among other manifestations. 

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends 15 mcg (or 600 IU) of vitamin D for average adults – excluding those who may be breastfeeding or pregnant. Since sunlight is the main source of vitamin D for most people, and because relatively few food sources naturally contain vitamin D, people at risk of vitamin D deficiency may benefit greatly from vitamin D3 supplements – especially liquid vitamin D. 

While this list is far from comprehensive and researchers are continually learning more about vitamin D3 and its potential uses, here are seven liquid vitamin D3 benefits:

1. The respiratory system is the part of the human body that helps maintain and regulate breathing, and vitamin D plays a crucial role in protecting the lungs and other respiratory components from acute infections.
2. Vitamin D also helps supports the muscular system. Studies seem to indicate a healthy link between overall muscle strength and higher levels of vitamin D in the system. Researchers noted that people with more vitamin D had more muscle mass and better muscle function.
3. Our immune systems act as our body’s primary defense against harmful pathogens and viruses, and research suggests that vitamin D can help prevent or mitigate the severity of acute respiratory infections, pneumonia, and other respiratory conditions (potentially even COVID-19).
4. Vitamin D supplements may also help to regulate blood pressure and promote general cardiovascular health, and vitamin D deficiency is sometimes linked to heart disease or a greater risk of high blood pressure. 
5. Because vitamin D plays such an important role in the body’s ability to absorb calcium, it’s an invaluable component to maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Maintaining your body’s levels of vitamin D and calcium are great ways to help the body’s skeletal system stay healthy and prevent excess tooth decay.
6. Liquid vitamin D administration is particularly beneficial for infants or toddlers, elderly people, and people who have trouble swallowing pills or other gastrointestinal issues which may prevent the absorption of vitamins throughout the digestive tract. Studies have shown that liquid vitamins, especially those administered sublingually, are at least as effective as their pill or capsule counterparts at being absorbed and utilized by the human body.
7. Researchers have also found that taking vitamin D supplements can have “a small to moderate effect on depressive symptoms.” While researchers may not yet fully understand the ways in which vitamin D affects the human psyche and, in particular mental health, there is an abundance of evidence that vitamin D helps boost human immune systems – which can help reduce inflammation in the body. 

However, vitamin D3 is a fat-soluble compound, which means that too much can accumulate within the human body and potentially cause toxic effects. Vitamin D toxicity symptoms may include muscle weakness, nausea/vomiting, excessive thirst, excessive urination, dehydration, loss of appetite, and more. If left untreated, symptoms can worsen and cause even more severe issues like kidney failure, heart palpitations, and even death. Toxicity issues with vitamin D are almost exclusively caused by supplements. Be sure to ask your doctor what dosage is appropriate for you, and contact a healthcare professional if you suspect you may be at risk for vitamin D deficiency or toxicity.