It's probably the most common deficiency of the French winter. Vitamin D is made by your skin under the action of the sun's UVB, and from October to March, at France's latitude, the sun is too low to allow sufficient synthesis. The result: a large part of the population has insufficient intake for half the year.
What is vitamin D for?
Its roles are among the best established of all vitamins. Vitamin D contributes:
- to the normal function of the immune system;
- to normal muscle function;
- to the maintenance of normal bones and teeth;
- to the normal absorption and use of calcium.
Why winter changes everything
Between October and March in mainland France, the angle of the sun barely allows any skin synthesis, even if you go out every day. Diet alone (oily fish, egg yolk) struggles to cover needs. That's why winter supplementation has become such a widespread health reflex, including among athletes, for whom muscles and immunity are both seasonal concerns.
D3 or D2: what's the difference?
Two forms exist. D2 (ergocalciferol) is of fungal origin. D3 (cholecalciferol) is the one your skin produces naturally under the sun, and the one the body uses most effectively. It's the form we chose for our Vitamin D3 3000 IU.
D3 is traditionally extracted from lanolin, the fat from sheep's wool. Plant-based D3 sourced from lichen also exists, but it is rarer and more expensive to produce.
Worth knowing about our product: its softgel contains bovine gelatin. It is therefore not suitable for vegetarian or vegan diets. We'd rather write it plainly than leave any doubt.
How to take it properly
- With a meal containing fat: vitamin D is fat-soluble, its absorption is much better with fats. That's also why the oily softgel format makes sense.
- Consistently: our 3000 IU format is taken 1 softgel every 3 days, easy to keep up all winter.
- Without exceeding the stated dose: more is not better.
Key takeaways
- From October to March in France, skin synthesis is close to zero.
- Vitamin D contributes to immunity, muscle function and bone health.
- Take it during a fatty meal, consistently, at the stated dose.
Discover our Vitamin D3 3000 IU, 60 softgels and the rest of the Health & Wellness range.
Food supplement: does not replace a varied, balanced diet or a healthy lifestyle. Not recommended for young children. In case of treatment or doubt, seek the advice of a healthcare professional.