A health problem with a family member prompted me to research the effects of Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) on the body. Along with Vitamin A & E, I knew it to be oil soluble, which means it dissolves in oil and is not flushed from the body each day like vitamins C and the B complex. Then I began to uncover the reported benefits to the body for a number of ailments. The further I searched the longer the list grew. Some of the claims were as follows:

• Lowers blood pressure
• Anti-flu
• Helps fight off respiratory disease
• Helps fight off Type 2 Diabetes
• Helps prevent various cancers
• Good for bone health due aiding in the ability to absorb calcium

So, I did.

After eight days of taking 1000IU sublingually, morning and evening, I experienced arthritic symptoms and constipation, which took three days to clear after stopping the dose. This led me to believe the uptake of calcium is increased as taking calcium supplements does the same thing to me.

I began to wonder what Mother Nature provides us with.

Sunshine naturally converts cholesterol into Vitamin D based as oil soluble to retain it in the body for longer periods of time. I examined the practices of applying sun block and taking anti-cholesterol drugs to bring the levels down. Both of these moneymakers for pharmaceutical companies stand at odds with the natural process. Also, since these practices have been accepted, skin cancer and other forms of cancer have skyrocketed. Should we perhaps be sun tanning in moderation in the spring to build up a tolerance and then tanning more in the summer to build up a store of Vitamin D, without the sun block to interfere with the natural process? This is what I have done for many years. I seldom get colds or flu and my skin is not wrinkled so it works for me. In addition I will now add Vitamin D3 supplementation as well, only in the wintertime and sparingly.

If it really is effective for many ailments, why are we not hearing more about the benefits of this vitamin in the mainstream media? Unlike pharmaceutical products, it is very inexpensive to buy.