what is vitamin d3

Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus. It is available in different forms such as tablets, capsules, chewable gels, and liquid drops, and is usually taken once or twice daily depending on the preparation, age, and medical condition of the individual. Vitamin D3 is typically used to treat people who have a vitamin D deficiency or related disorders such as rickets or osteomalacia. It is also used along with calcium to prevent and treat bone diseases such as osteoporosis. Some individuals who might need extra vitamin D include older adults, breastfed babies, people with darker skin, obese individuals, and people with conditions such as cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease, or liver disease. Vitamin D3 can be naturally produced in the body following exposure to sunlight, and it is also found in fortified milk, fortified cereal, and fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines.