Solgar proudly introduces Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) 5000 IU Vegetable Capsules. One capsule provides a high-potency does of 5000 IU of vitamin D, helping meet the needs of the large number of Americans who are deficient in this key vitamin.

The current recommended daily intake (RDI) for vitamin D — 400 IU was set purposefully low because it used to be thought that adequate vitamin D was produced by exposure to sunlight. However, new data indicates that more than 40 percent of American adults have low blood levels of this fat-soluble vitamin - particularly those who lice in northern climates, are dark-skinned, regularly wear sun block, or are overweight.

At the same time, emerging research shows that vitamin D is more important than once thought. the nutrient is well-known for its role in aiding calcium absorption and utilization. However, new studies show that vitamin D also plays a role in immune health and may provide protection to prostate, breast, colon and pancreatic tissues. That is why a growing number of researchers are recommending increasing the (RDI) to 2000 IU.

In addition to its well-defined role in aiding calcium absorption and utilization, new studies show that vitamin D plays a role in immune health and may help support prostate, breast, colon, and pancreatic health. Many of these "non-calcemic" benefits of vitamin D may only be attainable at higher serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (calcidiol), a vitamin D metabolite which is the chief biomarker for measuring adequate vitamin D status. Reaching desired serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations for some individuals may require vitamin D supplementation up to 5000 IU.