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Different organizations recommend varying doses of vitamin D. For example, in cases where vitamin D formation through sunlight is deficient, the DGE currently recommends a dose of 400 IU for infants up to 1 year of age and 800 IU for children, adolescents, adults, seniors, and pregnant and nursing women.

If you have recently had your vitamin D levels checked, you may be looking at a result labeled "25(OH)D" and wondering what it actually tells you. This guide explains what gets measured, how the test works, how often testing makes sense, what influences your result, and how to read the units on your lab report.

Most of us grew up hearing that vitamin D is the “sunshine vitamin”, but few of us realise just how dependent our bodies are on it, or how quickly levels can drop during the darker months. Unlike almost every other vitamin, vitamin D doesn't need to be obtained from food. The body can make it itself, but only if the skin gets enough sunlight. This very fact explains almost everything else about vitamin D, from the prevalence of deficiency in winter to doctors' recommendation to get a blood test before starting a supplement, rather than relying on guesswork.

Ribose, also known as D-ribose, is a simple monosaccharide with five carbon atoms (a so-called pentose). It is found in every cell of the body and is a structural component of energy metabolism. Ribose also forms the sugar backbone of our genetic material – DNA and RNA – as well as certain vitamins and other important cell compounds.

Everyone goes through periods of feeling low or sad. But when this feeling persists, feels disproportionate, and lasts for weeks, it may be a sign of depression — a serious but highly treatable mental health condition.

Parts of the plant of the Moringa tree, which is particularly widespread in South Asia and Africa, have been used as food and medicine for thousands of years. The high content of nutrients and a proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect make Moringa an important part of the diet and naturopathic treatment of diseases in Asia, Latin America and Africa. In recent years, Moringa has become increasingly popular as a healthy 'superfood' in Europe.

Zinc is an essential trace mineral that contributes to the normal function of the immune system, normal energy metabolism, and the maintenance of normal hair, skin, and nails. Zinc also contributes to normal protein synthesis and the maintenance of normal testosterone levels in the blood.

Collagen is a structural protein found in the bodies of many multicellular animals and therefore also in humans. It is found, among other places, in tendons, ligaments and bones. Parts of the skin are also made of collagen. The substance plays an important role in both medicine and cosmetics: as an ingredient in skin care products and as a dietary supplement to support bone and cartilage tissue.

Recent studies suggest that both vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 may play an important role in bone and arterial health. Insufficient intake of both vitamins is widespread among the Western population—which is why more and more people are taking vitamin D3 and K2 daily as dietary supplements.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is one of the most important inhibitory neurotransmitters in the human brain. This article summarises the current state of research on GABA – from its discovery and biochemical mechanisms to its presence in foods and guidance on supplementation. The information provided here does not replace medical advice.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally occurring compound found in every cell of the human body. It plays a central role in cellular energy production and acts as a powerful antioxidant. While the body produces CoQ10 on its own, production declines with age, making supplementation relevant for many people. This guide provides an evidence-based overview of CoQ10 — what it is, how it works, who may benefit, dosage guidance, and important safety considerations.

Ginseng is one of the best known and most popular medicinal plants in Asia and is also becoming increasingly important in Europe. The versatile effects of the root are increasingly becoming the focus of scientific and medical research. Ginseng is traditionally used to treat menopausal symptoms, memory problems, and erectile dysfunction.