Vitamin D

A hero in the fight against bone loss

Osteoporosis is a disease often referred to as the “silent thief of bones”, it is one of the most widespread chronic diseases of the skeletal system. It affects postmenopausal women and older people the most, but men and younger people are also at risk. The main danger is that a person may not know about it at all and may not feel any symptoms – until a fracture occurs. One of the most important factors in preventing osteoporosis is sufficient vitamin D.

Why is vitamin D so crucial and how to recognise its deficiency?

 Vitamin D is not just “another vitamin”. It is a hormonally active substance that has a direct effect on calcium metabolism and the health of the entire skeletal system.

1. Controls calcium absorption

Without a certain level of vitamin D, the body cannot effectively absorb calcium from food. So even if a person consumes enough calcium, without vitamin D, bones are not enriched as much as with it. Vitamin D essentially “opens the door” for calcium to enter the bloodstream.

2. Supports bone mineralisation

Well-mineralised bones are strong and durable. Vitamin D supports the deposition of calcium in bone tissue, which is important for preventing bone loss.

3. Regulates parathyroid hormone

Low levels of vitamin D also result in increased production of parathyroid hormone (PTH – a peptide hormone), which releases calcium from the bones to balance its level in the blood. Long-term high levels of PTH can accelerate bone thinning.

Typical symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include:

• Frequent fatigue and weakness
• Bone and joint pain
• Muscle weakness and cramps
• Slower wound healing
• Depression and anxiety

How does vitamin D specifically help prevent osteoporosis?

• Increases bone density - due to better absorption of calcium.
• Reduces the risk of falls – vitamin D supports muscle function, which is especially important in older people.
• Slows down bone loss – normalises calcium and parathyroid hormone levels.
• Supports the effectiveness of treatment – ​​in patients diagnosed with osteoporosis, supplementation is almost always part of the therapy along with calcium and bone-strengthening drugs.

How much vitamin D should you take daily?

The exact dose is always determined by your doctor, but general recommendations from doctors usually range: 

• Adults: approximately 1000–2000 IU per day in the winter months.
• Seniors or people at higher risk: often 1500–4000 IU per day.

These higher doses are recommended by doctors especially in the winter months. You can find an overview of the official European recommendation here.

Where to find the best vitamin D? 

1. Sunlight

 The most important source is the sun. Just 10-20 minutes of sun exposure (face, hands, forearms) several times a week can cover a large part of the need. However, a problem arises in winter. Lack of sunlight can cause a significant drop in vitamin D levels.

2. Diet

Natural sources are relatively limited:

• fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines),
• eggs,
• liver,
• fortified dairy products.

3. Food supplements

Supplementing vitamin D with food supplements is practical especially in the winter months or in periods when sunlight is lacking.

ESSENS food supplements offer high-quality sources of vitamin D with very effective absorption. 

Vitassens Vitamin D Elite  –  a quality supplement for everyday use.

The food supplement is designed to provide the body with the optimal amount of vitamin D in a practical and easily usable form.

Its advantages include:

• High quality of the ingredients used
• Convenient dosage – 1 tablet per day – ideal for daily use
• Good absorbability, which supports the proper use of vitamin D in the body
• Approved product manufactured under the supervision of a professional scientific board with an emphasis on safety

Warning: Food supplements do not replace a varied diet or a healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the recommended dosage. Always consult your doctor about the appropriateness of use, especially if you have health problems or are taking medication.

Sufficient vitamin D is an investment in health that pays off at any age – and especially in the period when our bones begin to lose strength. ESSENS is here for you and will help you not only supplement the important vitamin D, but also offers many other options for your vitality and well-being.