 |
| Benefits of Vitamin d |
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin which encourages the absorption and metabolism of calcium and phosphorous. Benefits of Vitamin D obtained from sun exposure, food, and supplements is biologically inert and must undergo two hydroxylations in the body for activation. The first occurs in the liver and converts vitamin D to 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], also known as calcidiol. The second occurs primarily in the kidney and forms the physiologically active 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D], also known as calcitriol. There are five forms of vitamin d levels; vitamin D1, D2, D3, D4, D5. The two forms that seem to matter to humans the most are vitamins D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3(cholecalciferol). Researchers at the University of Minnesota found that Vitamin D levels in the body at the start of a low-calorie diet predict weight loss success. Among many varieties of vitamins, vitamin d plays vital role in the proper functioning of our body including modulation of cell growth, neuromuscular and immune function, and reduction of inflammation. Due to lack of vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle, or misshapen. Benefits of Vitamin D sufficiency prevent rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Together with calcium, vitamin D also helps protect older adults from osteoporosis. This vitamin is crucial for the absorption and metabolism of calcium and phosphorous, which have various functions, especially the maintenance of healthy bones. It is also an immune system regulator.
To get the benefits of vitamin d, following sources are important:
- The flesh of fatty fish (such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel) and fish liver oils are among food with vitamin d
- beef liver, cheese, and egg yolks.
- Some mushrooms provide vitamin D
- Fortified foods provide most of the vitamin D in the American diet
- Ready-to-eat breakfast cereals often contain added vitamin D, as do some brands of orange juice, yogurt, margarine and other food products.
- Vitamin d can be obtained from the exposure to sunlight
