Vit D3 Spray 4000 IU RAW (no sweeteners)
Highly concentrated and bioavailable Vitamin D Spray High Vit. D concentration: 2000 IU/spray High Vit. D concentration: 50 µg (1,000% NRV)/spray Oral spray format for easy dosing Greater absorption and bioavailability than conventional formats Informed-Sport anti-doping certified Sweetener-free, Allergen-free and Suitable for Vegetarians Vitamin D3 Spray 4,000 IU is a novel oral spray based on highly concentrated vitamin D3, easy to dose and, most importantly, highly bioavailable as it requires no prior digestion and is absorbed directly in the mouth. Providing 50 µg per spray, i.e. 1,000% of the NRV or 2,000 IU (International Units). It contains no sweeteners or unnecessary excipients or additives, giving it high purity and concentration. It is also 100% allergen-free and suitable for vegetarians. Vitamin D or Calciferol is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning it dissolves in fats, so its intake is recommended with fatty foods. Naturally, it is found as vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) in fatty animal-based foods such as oily fish like salmon, mackerel, etc., egg yolk, whole milk and its derivatives (not skimmed), etc. Also in plant-based foods (to a lesser extent) as vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol), such as avocado, wild mushrooms, nuts and some seeds like sesame. It is well known that the main and perhaps most important source is the vitamin D3 we synthesize through sunlight exposure. It is worth noting that both D2 and D3 are inactive forms that must be activated after ingestion to function (only about 50% of ingested is absorbed). On the other hand, the one synthesized in the skin via UVB radiation acting on 7-dehydrocholesterol in the dermis directly produces a pre-vitamin D3. General functions Vitamin D is so important that the scientific community is currently debating whether to classify it more as a hormone than a vitamin. This is due to its extensive and critical functionality (as we'll see) and the presence of specific receptors for this vitamin in various tissues, including muscle. It plays a role in bone growth and mineralization, muscle function and sarcopenia, immune system support, nervous system and neurodegeneration, and helps prevent chronic diseases such as inflammatory disorders (e.g., autoimmune diseases), cancer, cardiovascular diseases, etc. So much so that major organizations such as EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) have recognized significant benefits since 2012: vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system, cell division, calcium and phosphorus absorption and utilization, normal blood calcium levels, maintenance of normal bones and teeth, and normal muscle function. Benefits for athletes All these functions are important for athletes too, but the most relevant are those related to muscle function and calcium-phosphorus metabolism. Calcium is directly involved in muscle contraction—a key factor in sports performance—so indirectly, vitamin D may be crucial for improving performance or training quality. Regarding strength and hypertrophy, especially in older adults, it may increase both the number and size of type II fibers (fast-twitch), which are most sensitive to hypertrophy and key in preventing sarcopenia. It also seems to increase hormones related to this process, such as IGF-1 and testosterone (Lerchbaum, E. et al., JCEM. 2017). Although consensus is not definitive, vitamin D appears important in adaptation to intense exercise and muscle recovery (Dzik, K.P. et al., EJAP. 2019). It may also enhance amino acid and protein sensitivity, improving protein synthesis processes (Pfeifer, M. et al., OI. 2002). When vitamin D binds to its receptor in muscle cells, genes are activated that regulate satellite cells involved in muscle regeneration. It also seems to improve contractile protein synthesis (actin and myosin) and indirectly inhibit myostatin. Lastly, it may enhance mitochondrial function and have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. Its direct efficacy as an ergogenic aid is not proven, but having low vitamin D levels clearly impairs performance (Montenegro, K.R. et al., NRR. 2019). Risks, Deficiency and Why Supplement? Deficiency can cause serious health issues, including the well-known rickets or bone demineralization. Cognitively, it may lead to deterioration, depression or suicidal thoughts. Muscle-related issues—which matter most to athletes—include muscle weakness, potentially leading to sarcopenia and contractile problems that increase injury risk (Maroon, J.C. et al., AJSM. 2015). Deficient athletes are also more susceptible to illness (Halliday, T.M. et al., MSSE. 2011), such as respiratory infections, confirmed by meta-analysis (Martineau, A.R. BMJ. 2017). Although it shouldn’t be the case, there is currently a “global pandemic” of vitamin D deficiency, mainly due to spending too much time indoors, unbalanced diets, excessive sunscreen use and/or limited sun exposure. About 88% of the world’s population is estimated to be deficient, including athletes—especially those in indoor sports. While a balanced diet should suffice, as discussed, this often isn’t enough, so supplementation is the fastest, easiest and most effective way to raise overall vitamin D levels. A simple blood test can determine if supplementation is needed. Why Spray? There are many pharmaceutical forms for supplementation, such as capsules or softgels. The main differences are the quantity provided and bioavailability. The oral spray format stands out due to its easy dosing by spraying directly into the mouth, allowing a super-concentrated product. Its bioavailability is also maximal, as it bypasses stomach digestion and is absorbed immediately into the bloodstream via microdroplets that penetrate the buccal mucosa capillaries. This results in high absorption and efficacy compared to other formats (higher plasma concentration vs softgels after 30 days) (Satia, M.C. et al., NJ. 2015). And don’t forget that Vit. D3 Spray 4,000 IU is 100% safe, holding anti-doping certification by Informed-Sport.