What is vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin one of whose significant sources is sunshine. Its unique feature is that it is found in foodstuffs and can also be synthesized by the body. It has several forms, the most active of which is what we call caciferol and its physiologically active form is 1,2,5 dihydroxyvitamin D.
What are the functions of vitamin D?
One of its most important functions is to assist the body in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. So it indirectly helps to form and maintain strong bones. It also is known to work with other vitamins, minerals and hormones to promote what we call bone mineralisation. It is therefore advised to pregnant and lactating women.
Research also shows that vitamin D also contributes towards a healthy immune system and the process of cell growth and differentiation.
What happens in the deficiency of vitamin D?
In case of deficiency of the vitamin, the bones become thin and brittle, that is, tend to break easily. It leads to a condition called rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.
What are the sources of vitamin D?
Sunlight is a major source of vitamin D. the human body has a mechanism to synthesize the vitamin by itself with the action of the ultraviolet rays (on the skin), which are a component of sunlight. Milk is supposed to be a source of the vitamin but it is nit the case with dairy products. Some other sources include cod liver oil, margarine, egg, liver, beef, cheese and sardine.

What role does vitamin D play in role in calcium absorption?
As discussed earlier one of the most important functions of vitamin D is to help the body in the process of calcium and phosphorus absorption, which indirectly helps in strengthening the bones and teeth. From all the types of the vitamin, vitamin D3 has the capability to increase the absorption of calcium by 30 to 80 percent.

Can vitamin D be toxic?
It is a general law of nature that excess of everything is bad and same is the case with vitamins including vitamin D. it the intake of the vitamin exceeds the recommended dosage, it leads to a condition called vitamin toxicity. Its symptoms are nausea, vomiting, pain in joints and loss of appetite. Constipation alternating with diarrhea also constitutes the symptoms.

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