Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 26 Researches
7.8
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 4 Reviews
8.2
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Softgel
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Vitamin D3 (as Cholecalciferol) (from Lanolin)
50 mcg (2,000 IU)
250%

Top Medical Research Studies

9
Vitamin D3 protects neurons from stroke
We explored the potential benefits of vitamin D3 (specifically, 1,25-vitamin D3) for protecting the brain during events such as strokes caused by impaired blood flow, known as cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI). In this study, rats received vitamin D3 supplementation for a week before undergoing a procedure that mimicked a stroke. The results were striking; those treated with vitamin D3 showed significant improvements in neurological function, with reduced areas of brain damage and more surviving neurons.

We also tested the effects of vitamin D3 on rat cortical neurons in a laboratory setting, specifically observing its influence on cell survival during oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (a model for stroke). The vitamin D3 treatment not only improved cell viability but also appeared to reduce cell death and inflammation. Our analyses revealed that vitamin D3 boosts important protective proteins in the brain, which help combat oxidative stress and inhibit pathways linked to inflammatory cell death.

Overall, our findings strongly suggest that vitamin D3 could be a valuable resource in stroke management by protecting neurons through its antioxidant actions and reduction of harmful inflammation.
Read More
8
We explored the connection between vitamin D levels and stroke risk through a meta-analysis of existing studies. The findings indicate that maintaining adequate vitamin D levels could potentially lower stroke risk. Specifically, we observed that individuals with population mean levels of vitamin D, ranging from 50 to 70 nmol/L, might see a 13% reduction in their stroke risk when receiving vitamin D supplementation.

This analysis was built on data from a robust Mendelian Randomization (MR) study, which helps to establish causal relationships using genetic variations as indicators. One of the challenges faced in this type of research is the potential for “weak instrument bias,” which can undermine the validity of the findings. However, by addressing these concerns, we enhanced the reliability of our conclusions regarding vitamin D's beneficial role against stroke.

The implications of our results are clear: targeted vitamin D supplementation could serve as a valuable strategy in stroke prevention, particularly for those with insufficient levels of this essential nutrient. Our study strengthens the argument for incorporating vitamin D into health recommendations related to cardiovascular health.
Read More
9
Vitamin D enhances stroke recovery
In a controlled study involving rats, we explored the impact of vitamin D on memory function after a stroke-inducing procedure called bilateral common carotid artery occlusion. This method mimics the effects of transient global cerebral ischemia, a condition where the brain suffers from reduced blood flow.

The rats were divided into four groups: one group did not receive any vitamin D, while the other groups were given varying doses of the vitamin over a period of ten days. We tested their spatial memory using the Morris water maze, which is a commonly used method to assess cognitive function in animals.

Our results revealed that rats treated with vitamin D showed significant improvements in memory function compared to those who did not receive the vitamin. We also found that vitamin D treatment contributed to lower levels of markers associated with aging and senescence, specifically p16 and p21, while enhancing the expression of beneficial nerve growth factor (NGF) in the hippocampus.

Overall, our study suggests that vitamin D not only assists in repairing memory function but also helps mitigate some of the harmful effects related to aging in the context of stroke.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

9
Cognitive protection
For those over 50 or recovering from a stroke, this Vitamin D3 is excellent. It boosts digestibility and is effective against strokes, dementia, and various cancers. I've felt improvements since starting it!
Read More
7.5
Reduced stroke risk
Now Vitamin D-3 is fantastic for lowering the risk of stroke and heart diseases. It enhances bone density, boosts immune function, and alleviates mood symptoms. It also decreases inflammation and muscle soreness.
Read More
7.5
Stroke post-care
Excellent! I was prescribed this product after my stroke to take 2000 IU daily. It contains olive oil, which is crucial for Vitamin D3, and it's reasonably priced with good quality.
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 26 Researches
7.8
  • All Researches
9
Vitamin D reduces stroke mortality
We carefully assessed how vitamin D levels and physical activity influence mortality among individuals who have survived a stroke. Analyzing data from 677 stroke survivors from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey over several years, we examined both the individual and combined effects of vitamin D and physical activity on overall mortality risk.

Our findings revealed that higher levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) are associated with a lower risk of death from all causes, as well as from non-major adverse cardiovascular events (non-MACE). More specifically, individuals with high levels of vitamin D had significantly lower mortality rates compared to those with low levels. Moreover, being physically active showed similar protective effects against these mortality risks.

When we looked at individuals with both high 25(OH)D levels and who engaged in physical activities, they demonstrated the lowest risk of all-cause mortality and non-MACE events. This suggests a synergistic effect between vitamin D and physical activity that could improve longevity in stroke survivors. These insights may help shape future strategies for preventing and treating cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
Read More
9
Vitamin D enhances stroke recovery
In a controlled study involving rats, we explored the impact of vitamin D on memory function after a stroke-inducing procedure called bilateral common carotid artery occlusion. This method mimics the effects of transient global cerebral ischemia, a condition where the brain suffers from reduced blood flow.

The rats were divided into four groups: one group did not receive any vitamin D, while the other groups were given varying doses of the vitamin over a period of ten days. We tested their spatial memory using the Morris water maze, which is a commonly used method to assess cognitive function in animals.

Our results revealed that rats treated with vitamin D showed significant improvements in memory function compared to those who did not receive the vitamin. We also found that vitamin D treatment contributed to lower levels of markers associated with aging and senescence, specifically p16 and p21, while enhancing the expression of beneficial nerve growth factor (NGF) in the hippocampus.

Overall, our study suggests that vitamin D not only assists in repairing memory function but also helps mitigate some of the harmful effects related to aging in the context of stroke.
Read More
9
Vitamin D3 aids stroke recovery
We explored the potential of 1α, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, commonly known as Vitamin D3, to alleviate brain injuries caused by stroke. This study utilized a model involving middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion in rats to examine how Vitamin D3 interacts with endoplasmic reticulum stress and ferroptosis, two critical processes often triggered by stroke.

Our findings revealed that Vitamin D3 significantly reduced the size of brain tissue damage and improved overall nerve function following ischemic events. We noticed improvements in neuron structure and a decrease in cell death, which was evidenced by various staining techniques used in our analyses.

On a molecular level, Vitamin D3 treatment resulted in increased expression of the Vitamin D receptor, alongside reductions in markers linked to endoplasmic reticulum stress and ferroptosis. Notably, when we blocked the receptor with a specific antagonist, the protective effects of Vitamin D3 were partially diminished.

Thus, we can conclude that Vitamin D3 may assist in protecting the brain from stroke-related injuries by modulating stress responses and reducing cell death. Overall, this study underscores the promise of Vitamin D3 in addressing the damaging effects of ischemic stroke.
Read More
9
Vitamin D3 protects neurons from stroke
We explored the potential benefits of vitamin D3 (specifically, 1,25-vitamin D3) for protecting the brain during events such as strokes caused by impaired blood flow, known as cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI). In this study, rats received vitamin D3 supplementation for a week before undergoing a procedure that mimicked a stroke. The results were striking; those treated with vitamin D3 showed significant improvements in neurological function, with reduced areas of brain damage and more surviving neurons.

We also tested the effects of vitamin D3 on rat cortical neurons in a laboratory setting, specifically observing its influence on cell survival during oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (a model for stroke). The vitamin D3 treatment not only improved cell viability but also appeared to reduce cell death and inflammation. Our analyses revealed that vitamin D3 boosts important protective proteins in the brain, which help combat oxidative stress and inhibit pathways linked to inflammatory cell death.

Overall, our findings strongly suggest that vitamin D3 could be a valuable resource in stroke management by protecting neurons through its antioxidant actions and reduction of harmful inflammation.
Read More
We investigated the impact of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, commonly known as vitamin D3, on stroke recovery, particularly focusing on its effects on brain function after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Using a model called middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), we aimed to understand how vitamin D3 influences mitochondrial health and signaling pathways crucial for brain recovery.

Our findings revealed that vitamin D3 effectively reduced the size of brain damage and improved neurological function in rats. We noted significant changes in various metrics, including a decrease in markers associated with cell death. Specifically, vitamin D3 activated important signaling pathways—AMPK, AKT, and GSK-3β—essential for promoting brain health post-stroke.

Furthermore, vitamin D3 enhanced the expression of factors that support blood vessel growth and decrease oxidative stress, both vital for neuronal protection. Some blocking effects of pyridoxal-5-phosphate suggested that vitamin D3 acts through specific receptors to achieve these protective benefits. This research highlights vitamin D3 as a promising treatment direction for stroke rehabilitation by regulating mitochondrial metabolism and promoting neuronal survival.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 4 Reviews
8.2
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
9
Cognitive protection
For those over 50 or recovering from a stroke, this Vitamin D3 is excellent. It boosts digestibility and is effective against strokes, dementia, and various cancers. I've felt improvements since starting it!
Read More
7.5
Reduced stroke risk
Now Vitamin D-3 is fantastic for lowering the risk of stroke and heart diseases. It enhances bone density, boosts immune function, and alleviates mood symptoms. It also decreases inflammation and muscle soreness.
Read More
7.5
Stroke post-care
Excellent! I was prescribed this product after my stroke to take 2000 IU daily. It contains olive oil, which is crucial for Vitamin D3, and it's reasonably priced with good quality.
Read More
6
Blood pressure control
This Vitamin D3 is beneficial for the endocrine system and cardiovascular health. It helps regulate blood pressure, lowering the risk of stroke, and strengthens bones, muscles, and teeth.
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

9
Cognitive protection
For those over 50 or recovering from a stroke, this Vitamin D3 is excellent. It boosts digestibility and is effective against strokes, dementia, and various cancers. I've felt improvements since starting it!
7.5
Stroke post-care
Excellent! I was prescribed this product after my stroke to take 2000 IU daily. It contains olive oil, which is crucial for Vitamin D3, and it's reasonably priced with good quality.
7.5
Reduced stroke risk
Now Vitamin D-3 is fantastic for lowering the risk of stroke and heart diseases. It enhances bone density, boosts immune function, and alleviates mood symptoms. It also decreases inflammation and muscle soreness.
6
Blood pressure control
This Vitamin D3 is beneficial for the endocrine system and cardiovascular health. It helps regulate blood pressure, lowering the risk of stroke, and strengthens bones, muscles, and teeth.
8
We explored the connection between vitamin D levels and stroke risk through a meta-analysis of existing studies. The findings indicate that maintaining adequate vitamin D levels could potentially lower stroke risk. Specifically, we observed that individuals with population mean levels of vitamin D, ranging from 50 to 70 nmol/L, might see a 13% reduction in their stroke risk when receiving vitamin D supplementation.

This analysis was built on data from a robust Mendelian Randomization (MR) study, which helps to establish causal relationships using genetic variations as indicators. One of the challenges faced in this type of research is the potential for “weak instrument bias,” which can undermine the validity of the findings. However, by addressing these concerns, we enhanced the reliability of our conclusions regarding vitamin D's beneficial role against stroke.

The implications of our results are clear: targeted vitamin D supplementation could serve as a valuable strategy in stroke prevention, particularly for those with insufficient levels of this essential nutrient. Our study strengthens the argument for incorporating vitamin D into health recommendations related to cardiovascular health.
We aimed to uncover the relationship between vitamin D levels and the severity of ischemic strokes. In a prospective observational study at Saveetha Medical College, we examined 86 patients who were admitted with acute ischemic strokes. By measuring their serum vitamin D levels and assessing their stroke severity using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), we were able to draw some insightful conclusions.

Our findings revealed a notable negative correlation between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and the severity of stroke. Essentially, lower vitamin D levels were linked to higher NIHSS scores, indicating more severe neurological deficits. With a Pearson correlation coefficient of -0.4081 and a p-value of less than 0.001, we felt confident in stating that higher vitamin D levels may lead to less severe strokes.

Moreover, our multivariate regression analysis highlighted that factors such as age and existing health conditions also played a crucial role in the severity of stroke symptoms. Overall, our results suggest that maintaining adequate vitamin D levels could be crucial for reducing stroke severity and improving outcomes for patients. However, we emphasize the importance of further research to explore how vitamin D might be integrated into stroke management strategies.
In a recent clinical trial, we sought to understand how a single high dose of vitamin D impacts recovery in patients who have experienced a moderate ischemic stroke. This rigorous study ran from April 2020 to March 2021 and involved a double-blind, randomized design to ensure reliability. Patients with moderate ischemic stroke, defined by a specific score range, were divided into two groups: one receiving the vitamin D treatment and the other receiving standard care alone.

After administering a single intramuscular injection of 600,000 international units of vitamin D, we carefully monitored the outcomes. Specifically, we looked at changes in the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores shortly after treatment and assessed the Barthel Index (BI), a measure of daily functioning, three months later.

Our observations revealed a significant improvement in the NIHSS scores among those who received vitamin D compared to the control group. Additionally, the functional recovery, as indicated by the Barthel Index scores, was also notably better in the vitamin D group three months post-discharge. However, when examining biomarkers of neural damage, we found no significant change in the levels of Neuron-Specific Enolase (NSE).

Overall, while our findings suggest that a high dose of vitamin D has favorable effects on recovery scores related to functionality and stroke severity, we must note that it did not significantly impact the biological markers linked to neural injury.

References

  1. Liao J, Chen J, Wu H, Zhu Q, Tang X, et al. Combined 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and physical activity on mortality in US stroke survivors: findings from the NHANES. Nutr J. 2025;24:5. 10.1186/s12937-025-01076-x
  2. Chan YH, Zhao JV, Schooling CM, Yeung SA, Wong YK, et al. General and sex-specific effects of vitamin D against atrial fibrillation and young-onset ischemic stroke: a Mendelian randomization series. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2024;75:228. 10.3164/jcbn.24-79
  3. Simon J, Sriharsha T, Perumal Kumaresan A, Chand U, Bose S. Impact of Vitamin D Deficiency on Ischemic Stroke Severity: Insights from a Prospective Study. Cureus. 2024;16:e69376. 10.7759/cureus.69376
  4. Fusaro M, De Caterina R, Tripepi G. New Insight into the Role of Vitamin D in the Stroke Risk: A Meta-Analysis of Stratified Data by 25(OH)D Levels. Curr Vasc Pharmacol. 2024. 10.2174/0115701611331890241007112502
  5. Melindah T, Sari DCR, Setiawan J, Thamrin MM, Zahra F, et al. Vitamin D ameliorates memory function in association with reducing senescence and upregulating neurotrophin mRNA expression in transient global cerebral ischemic injury model in rats. Med J Malaysia. 2024;79:51.
  6. Zahra F, Sari DCR, Yuniartha R, Thamrin MM, Melindah T, et al. Vitamin D treatment ameliorates memory function through downregulation of BAX and upregulation of SOD2 mRNA expression in transient global brain ischaemic injury in rats. Med J Malaysia. 2024;79:31.
  7. Tan Y, Jing X, Wang J, Zhou L, Wang Y, et al. Vitamin D Deficiency in the Acute Phase of Stroke May Predict Post-stroke Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol. 2025;38:75. 10.1177/08919887241275044
  8. Chan AA, Lam TL, Liu J, Ng AC, Zhang C, et al. Acute calcitriol treatment mitigates vitamin D deficiency-associated mortality after intracerebral haemorrhage. Neurosci Lett. 2024;838:137922. 10.1016/j.neulet.2024.137922
  9. Song T, Li J, Xia Y, Hou S, Zhang X, et al. 1,25-D3 ameliorates ischemic brain injury by alleviating endoplasmic reticulum stress and ferroptosis: Involvement of vitamin D receptor and p53 signaling. Cell Signal. 2024;122:111331. 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111331
  10. Hossain S, Bhattacharjee M, Rahman SS, Islam MS, Hossain MI, et al. Association between Serum Vitamin D Level and Acute Ischemic Stroke. Mymensingh Med J. 2024;33:805.
  11. Xiong J, Zhao C, Li J, Li Y. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the linkage between low vitamin D and the risk as well as the prognosis of stroke. Brain Behav. 2024;14:e3577. 10.1002/brb3.3577
  12. Samarakoon N, Chang T, Gunasekara V, Ratnayake P, Jayatillake R, et al. Selected serum cytokines and vitamin D levels as potential prognostic markers of acute ischemic stroke. PLoS One. 2024;19:e0299631. 10.1371/journal.pone.0299631
  13. Zhang SY, Yuan B, Luo WJ, Zhu LG, Zhang YJ, et al. Electro-scalp acupuncture regulates the expression of CYP27a1/b1, CYP24a and related inflammatory cytokines in ischemic cortex of rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion. Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 2024;49:463. 10.13702/j.1000-0607.20221351
  14. Kouchek M, Shojaei S, Amniati S, Ghaffari M, Salarian S, et al. Effect of High-dose Vitamin D on IL-1β Blood Level in Patients with Moderate Stroke: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Anesth Pain Med. 2023;13:e138810. 10.5812/aapm-138810
  15. Qiao J, Ma H, Chen M, Bai J. Vitamin D alleviates neuronal injury in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion via enhancing the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway to counteract NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol. 2023;82:722. 10.1093/jnen/nlad047
  16. Vergatti A, Abate V, Zarrella AF, Manganelli F, Tozza S, et al. 25-Hydroxy-Vitamin D and Risk of Recurrent Stroke: A Dose Response Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2023;15. 10.3390/nu15030512
  17. Tajalli-Nezhad S, Mohammadi S, Atlasi MA, Kheiran M, Moghadam SE, et al. Calcitriol modulate post-ischemic TLR signaling pathway in ischemic stroke patients. J Neuroimmunol. 2023;375:578013. 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2022.578013
  18. Lasoń W, Jantas D, Leśkiewicz M, Regulska M, Basta-Kaim A. Vitamin D3 and Ischemic Stroke: A Narrative Review. Antioxidants (Basel). 2022;11. 10.3390/antiox11112120
  19. Li Y, Li X, Xu S, Zhao Y, Pang M, et al. 1,25-D3 attenuates cerebral ischemia injury by regulating mitochondrial metabolism the AMPK/AKT/GSK3β pathway. Front Aging Neurosci. 2022;14:1015453. 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1015453
  20. Eghbali BB, Ramezani S, Alavi CE, Ghayeghran AR, Herfeh SS, et al. The association of 25 (OH) D3 serum level with ischemic cerebrovascular accident risk, severity and outcome in Iranian population. Am J Hum Biol. 2022;34:e23810. 10.1002/ajhb.23810
  21. Li G, Li L, Adachi JD, Wang R, Ye Z, et al. Relationship between Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Level and Risk of Recurrent Stroke. Nutrients. 2022;14. 10.3390/nu14091908
  22. Zhang Y, Mu Y, Ding H, Du B, Zhou M, et al. 1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Promotes Angiogenesis After Cerebral Ischemia Injury in Rats by Upregulating the TGF-β/Smad2/3 Signaling Pathway. Front Cardiovasc Med. 2022;9:769717. 10.3389/fcvm.2022.769717
  23. Vahidinia Z, Khassafi N, Tameh AA, Karimian M, Zare-Dehghanani Z, et al. Calcitriol Ameliorates Brain Injury in the Rat Model of Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Through Nrf2/HO-1 Signalling Axis: An in Silico and in Vivo Study. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis. 2022;31:106331. 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2022.106331
  24. Khassafi N, Zahraei Z, Vahidinia Z, Karimian M, Azami Tameh A. Calcitriol Pretreatment Attenuates Glutamate Neurotoxicity by Regulating NMDAR and CYP46A1 Gene Expression in Rats Subjected to Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol. 2022;81:252. 10.1093/jnen/nlac011
  25. Hesami O, Iranshahi S, Shahamati SZ, Sistanizd M, Pourheidar E, et al. The Evaluation of the Neuroprotective Effect of a Single High-Dose Vitamin D in Patients with Moderate Ischemic Stroke. Stroke Res Treat. 2022;2022:8955660. 10.1155/2022/8955660
  26. Wang L, Zhao XM, Wang FY, Wu JC, Wang Y. Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on the Prognosis of Post-stroke Fatigue: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Front Neurol. 2021;12:690969. 10.3389/fneur.2021.690969
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