Key Facts about Vitamin D

About Vitamin D

 

• Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for the proper functioning of the body.
• Functions:
  • It helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body. These nutrients are needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy.
  • It also plays many other important roles in the body, including regulating inflammation and immune function.
• There are different forms of vitamin D, including ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). 

 

Sources of Vitamin D

• Sunlight Synthesis: It is made in the skin when exposed to sunlight. During periods of sunlight, vitamin D is stored in fat and then released when sunlight is not available.
• Dietary Sources: Vitamin D can also be obtained from dietary sources, including fatty fish (such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna), fortified dairy products, fortified cereals, egg yolks, and certain mushrooms.

 

Deficiency of Vitamin D

• Vitamin D deficiency can lead to weakened bones, a condition known as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.
• It may also increase the risk of certain chronic diseases.
• People who have limited sun exposure, are elderly, have dark skin, or have specific medical conditions may be at a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency and may require supplementation.

 

Vitamin D Toxicity

• Getting too much vitamin D (known as vitamin D toxicity) can be harmful.
• Signs of toxicity include nausea and vomiting, poor appetite, constipation, weakness, and weight loss.
• It can lead to toxic levels of calcium in the blood, causing a condition known as hypercalcemia.
• Very high levels of vitamin D can damage the kidneys.

 

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Q1) What are Vitamins?

Vitamins are organic compounds that are essential for the normal functioning and growth of the human body. They are required in small amounts, but they play critical roles in various physiological processes. Vitamins cannot be synthesized in sufficient quantities by the body, so they must be obtained from the diet or, in some cases, from supplements.

Source: Vitamin D intake ‘may reduce cancer mortality in the population by 15%’