Vitashine
Also known as: Vitamin D3, Cholecalciferol, Vitashine
Overview
Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin that is crucial for calcium absorption, bone health, and immune function. It is synthesized in the skin upon exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight and can be obtained from dietary sources like oily fish, egg yolks, and fortified foods. Vitashine is a commercial supplement form of vitamin D3 used to address vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D3 is converted in the liver to 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), the main circulating form used to assess vitamin D status, and then further hydroxylated in the kidneys to the active form 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. Supplementation is extensively studied with high-quality evidence supporting its role in bone health. Research on other health outcomes is mixed.
Benefits
Vitamin D3 supplementation has been shown to reduce cancer mortality risk by approximately 16% (risk ratio 0.84, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.95) based on a meta-analysis. This benefit was more pronounced with vitamin D3 than vitamin D2 supplementation. Some evidence suggests vitamin D may reduce the risk of acute respiratory tract infections, especially in individuals with low baseline vitamin D levels, based on individual participant data meta-analyses. However, no significant effect on all-cause mortality or vascular function markers has been consistently demonstrated. The reduction in cancer mortality is modest but statistically significant, while the lack of effect on other outcomes suggests limited benefit beyond specific conditions.
How it works
Vitamin D3 is metabolized to its active form, which binds to the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in various tissues, regulating gene expression. This interaction influences calcium and phosphate homeostasis, immune modulation, and cell proliferation. In the skeletal system, it promotes calcium absorption and bone mineralization. In the immune system, it modulates innate and adaptive immunity, potentially reducing infection risk. It may also influence cancer cell growth and apoptosis through cellular regulation. As a fat-soluble vitamin, its absorption is enhanced with dietary fat, making oral supplementation effective in raising serum 25(OH)D levels.
Side effects
Vitamin D3 supplementation is generally safe at recommended doses. Common side effects are rare at typical doses, with mild gastrointestinal discomfort occasionally reported. Uncommon side effects include hypercalcemia risk with excessive dosing. Rare side effects include vitamin D toxicity leading to hypercalcemia, kidney stones, or renal impairment in extreme overdoses. Drug interactions may occur with thiazide diuretics (increased hypercalcemia risk) and corticosteroids (may reduce vitamin D efficacy). It is contraindicated in individuals with hypercalcemia or hypersensitivity to vitamin D. Caution is advised in patients with granulomatous diseases or certain lymphomas that increase vitamin D metabolism.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of Vitamin D3 is typically 400-800 IU/day to maintain adequate serum 25(OH)D levels. Optimal dosage ranges are commonly 800-2000 IU/day in supplementation trials. The maximum safe dose is up to 4000 IU/day for most adults; higher doses require medical supervision. It should be taken with meals containing fat to improve absorption. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is preferred over vitamin D2 due to better efficacy in raising serum 25(OH)D. Adequate calcium intake is important for bone health benefits.
FAQs
Is Vitashine effective for overall mortality reduction?
No significant effect on all-cause mortality has been demonstrated in studies.
Does it reduce cancer risk?
It reduces cancer mortality risk modestly but does not prevent cancer incidence.
Can it improve cardiovascular health?
No significant benefit on vascular function markers has been found in research.
Is it safe to take daily?
Yes, within recommended doses it is safe for most individuals.
How long before benefits appear?
Benefits such as cancer mortality reduction may require years of consistent supplementation.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31405892/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis included 52 RCTs with 75,454 adults and found no significant effect of vitamin D supplementation on all-cause mortality but a significant 16% reduction in cancer mortality (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.74-0.95). The study's strengths include its large sample size and rigorous methodology, but limitations include potential selective reporting and mortality as a secondary outcome.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29848497/ – This systematic review analyzed 31 RCTs (2,751 participants) on vascular function markers and found no significant improvement with vitamin D supplementation. The study was well-conducted with individual participant data analysis, indicating limited cardiovascular benefit from vitamin D supplementation.
- https://www.bmj.com/content/366/bmj.l4673 – This is the URL for the Keum et al. (2019) study, a systematic review and meta-analysis that included 52 RCTs with 75,454 adults. The study found no significant effect of vitamin D supplementation on all-cause mortality but a significant 16% reduction in cancer mortality.
- https://www.bmj.com/content/356/bmj.i6583 – This is the URL for the Martineau et al. (2017) study, an individual participant data meta-analysis that included 25 RCTs on vitamin D for preventing acute respiratory tract infections. The study showed a protective effect, particularly in those with low baseline vitamin D levels, demonstrating the importance of baseline status and dosing frequency.
