Vitamin D - Uses, Benefits, Sources and Dosage
Vitamin D is also among the nutrients which our body needs in order to stay healthy.
Functions of Vitamin D
Here are some important functions of this vitamin:
The vitamin helps the body to absorb calcium. This vitamin along with calcium helps to maintain the strong bones. There is a hormone, called parathyroid hormone, which reabsorbs the bone tissue as well as makes them thin and brittle. Vitamin D blocks this hormone and thereby keep the bones healthy.
Vitamin D also helps to improve the muscle function as well as the immune system. The healthy immune system keeps the body away from infections and allergies.
Food Sources of Vitamin D
The number of Vitamin D dietary supplements are available in the markets, nowadays. The exposure to the sun is a great way to take vitamin D. The other best way to take the vitamin is to include vitamin D rich foods in the diet.
Vitamin D by Sun Exposure
The vitamin is produced when a body is exposed to the sunshine and the amount of its production depends upon the various factors. The factors include season such as if there is a winter season, then there will be less sunshine, and the time of the day like sun rays are powerful between 10 am to 3 pm, and the amount of air pollution where you lives.
It is the ultraviolet light in sunlight that is responsible for the vitamin's production.
Vitamin D by Food Sources
Some of the best sources of this vitamin are cold liver oil, swordfish, salmon, orange juice fortified with vitamin D, yogurt, milk, liver, beef, egg yolk and cereals etc.
Deficiency of Vitamin D
The deficiency of this vitamin is responsible for osteomalacia in adults. While in children, the deficiency causes rickets. If these health problems are left untreated, then they may cause soft, brittle bones and causes pain in the bones and muscles. Due to reduced bone density, the deficiency may lead to osteoporosis and increases the chances of falls and fractures.
