Kirkland Signature Extra Strength D3 50 mcg., 600 Softgels Exp. 06/24

• Helps support for bone, teeth, muscle and immune health.^†
• Helps improve intestinal calcium absorption in the body.^†

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is unique because it is the only nutrient that can be synthesized by the skin from ultraviolet rays. In the food supply, there is a paucity of foods that naturally contain vitamin D. Instead most dietary vitamin D is consumed through fortified foods, although still in relatively small amounts. Vitamin D supplements are a prudent option to fill nutrient gaps that often exist for this crucial micronutrient.^† Vitamin D2, or ergocalciferol, is plant-derived, while vitamin D3, cholecalciferol, is animal-derived and is the body’s preferred form based on research that demonstrates its superior ability to raise and maintain vitamin D levels in the blood.1^†

As the scientific body of literature matures, the diversity of vitamin D’s influence in the body is being elucidated. Receptors for vitamin D have been discovered in cells throughout the body. Currently, the strongest science supports vitamin D’s role in bone, teeth, muscle and immune health. By enhancing calcium absorption from food and supplements and playing an important role in calcium and phosphorus homeostasis and bone remodeling processes, vitamin D supports strong bones and teeth. ^2,3

In fact, vitamin D deficiency results in bone softening and deformation, referred to as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. In combination with calcium, vitamin D supports bone mineralization processes, and inadequate intake of these nutrients increases one’s risk for osteoporosis, falls, and fractures.^{2 ,3} Additionally, normal muscle and immune system function require vitamin.

A common range of vitamin D recommended by healthcare professionals is 1,000-5,000 IU per day for general health.⁴ Your primary healthcare provider can assess your vitamin D status through a simple blood test that measures the level of the serum biomarker 25-hydroxyvitamin D and can recommend a personalized vitamin D supplement regimen to attain healthy vitamin D levels.⁴

^{Naturally, few foods contain vitamin D. Fatty fish (e.g. salmon, mackerel, sardines) and fish liver oil are among the best natural sources of vitamin D₃, while egg yolks and cheese also provide small quantities. Mushrooms are a variable source of vitamin D₂, with irradiated mushrooms offering enhanced vitamin D₂ levels after exposure to UV light under controlled conditions. Fortified foods, such as cow milks, cow milk substitutes, infant formula, orange juices, breads and cereals, also provide a dietary source of vitamin D.
Nationally representative research demonstrates that the large majority (93%) of Americans are failing to consume adequate vitamin D through diet alone.5 As a result, approximately 1/3 of Americans have a blood level of vitamin D that is insufficient or deficient. A vitamin D supplement can help address this key nutrient gap.4,6}