Vitamin D3

Support for the immune system
A high dose of natural vitamin D3
Improves well-being and comfort
Prevention of civilization diseases
Effective replenishment of deficiency
Strengthens the skeletal system
Reduces inflammation
Boosts energy

Apollo's Hegemony Vitamin D3 is a dietary supplement containing natural vitamin D3 obtained from lanolin. One capsule contains 10,000 IU of vitamin D3, which is a high dose, enabling effective replenishment of deficiency of this vitamin.

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is the basic form of vitamin D, referred to as the "solar vitamin" because of its natural source – formed in the skin synthesis from provitamin D3 due to the action of ultraviolet B radiation. Both cholecalciferol produced in the skin as well as that obtained from diet and supplementation ultimately undergo the transformation in the kidney into calcitriol (1α,25(OH)2D3), which is the active metabolite of vitamin D3.

Vitamin D belongs to the group of fat-soluble vitamins. Its classic and most-known role is the regulation of the calcium-phosphate economy, which manifests itself with increasing the absorption of these macronutrients from the intestines and is aimed at ensuring the correct mineralization of the bone matrix. In addition, vitamin D has a number of other less known (but equally important) functions in the human body.

The mechanism of action of vitamin D
The calcitriol formed from vitamin D3 shows hormonal activity – it works auto- and paracrine and affects the target cells primarily through the receptor for vitamin D – VDR (vitamin D receptor). VDR is a nuclear receptor whose activation by calcitriol results in a change in the expression (stimulation or silencing) of certain genes. As a result, specific biological changes are observed. The fact that VDR receptors are present in almost every nuclear cell of the body indicates the broad spectrum of action of vitamin D.

Strengthening of the immunity and reduction of inflammation
Vitamin D shows a widely documented immunomodulatory effect, and one of the symptoms of its deficiency is the weakening of immunity. VDR receptors are present in almost all cells of the immune system, including in T and B lymphocytes and monocytes. The influence of vitamin D on the strengthening of innate immunity and reduction of inflammation is emphasized – it causes, e.g., reduction in the level of proinflammatory cytokines IL-2, IL-6 and TNF-alpha. Due to the evident anti-inflammatory effect, more and more scientific reports point to the role of vitamin D in the prevention and treatment of autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

Vitamin D and depressive disorders and cognitive functions
Vitamin D has a significant effect on the proper functions of the central nervous system. It participates in the neuroprotection and neuromodulation processes, and also affects the level of neurotrophic growth factors, including NGF (nerve growth factor). VDR receptors are found in the brain structures involved in the regulation of emotions (including in the hippocampus). Vitamin D deficiency may be one of the factors affecting the development of depression, as evidenced by numerous epidemiological studies.

Impact on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism
In human and animal studies, vitamin D has been shown to play some role in the production and release of insulin, hence the conclusion made by researchers that vitamin D deficiency may contribute to the disturbance of glucose homeostasis and, consequently, to the development of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. This is reflected in cohort studies, which indicate the inverse relationship between the incidence of type 2 diabetes and the concentration of vitamin D and calcium in the body. Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance are inextricably linked to the metabolic syndrome, including obesity and lipid disorders.

The effects of vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D deficiencies carry a number of negative consequences for health, primarily within the skeletal, cardiovascular, nervous and immune systems. The effect of vitamin D deficiency on the skeletal system is primarily manifested by abnormal bone mineralization, which in the future may lead to osteoporosis and osteomalacia, as well as the development of tooth decay, especially in children. Deficiency of this vitamin also affects the increased risk of cardiovascular disease – hypertension or atherosclerosis.

The consequences within the nervous system include – as already mentioned – the increased risk of depression, as well as cognitive and brain maturation disorders, worsening of mood and higher incidence of developing Alzheimer's disease in older people. As for the immune system, the result of vitamin D deficiency is an increased susceptibility to infections as well as the development and exacerbation of the course of autoimmune diseases.

To sum up, Apollo's Hegemony Vitamin D3 is a preparation intended primarily for people who are deficient in vitamin D3 and who want to ensure a high supply of this vitamin.