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Vitamin D
Vitamin D
Do you know of a vitamin which also goes by the name sunshine vitamin or sun vitamin?
Well if you are trying to figure out the answer then let us provide you with another clue. It is also known as a natural vitamin. You guessed it right, it is Vitamin D. The easiest way of getting Vitamin D is to get exposed to the sun. Sunlight produces the D vitamin in the body and as it is fat soluble it is stored in the body.
What are the important functions of Vitamin D?
Absorption of calcium in the body is not possible without adequate amounts of Vitamin D. Apart from calcium it is also important for the absorption of Vitamin A. It is not just vitamins that are dependent on it but also minerals like magnesium, phosphate, zinc and iron which need vitamin D in order to be absorbed in the body. It is also important for the proper functioning of the kidney and helps in bone formation.
The best food source of vitamin D is fish. While most individuals can get adequate quantities of it from sunlight people living in colder regions where the frequency of sunlight is less they will require supplements of the vitamin to be taken so that it does not result in any deficiency. In certain countries food is fortified with this vitamin and this is especially true of United States where almost all milk contains vitamin D.
What are the signs and symptoms that are associated with vitamin D deficiency?
The most common sign of the deficiency is rickets which is found in children and this can also manifest itself through other bone deformities. Tooth decay and osteoporosis are also associated as signs of deficiency. Osteoporosis is a major problem affecting woman and a number of fractures in post menopausal woman have been attributed to deficiency of vitamin D.
People who live in countries where there is not adequate sunlight during certain months of a year or due to cultural compulsions the clothes are such that exposure to sunlight is limited or if the individual works in night shifts which limits exposure to sun have all been termed as reasons for the deficiency in vitamin D.
The elderly and vegetarians are advised to take supplements of the vitamin as they might not be getting adequate quantities. The vitamin capsules contain approximately 400 IU and most individuals are asked not to take more than 1000 IU as it might build toxicity in the body.
So now you have one more reason to go out in the sun as exposure to sunlight will help your body produce the vitamin D that is vital for your health.
