There are certain essential vitamins that are necessary for proper functioning of human body, Vitamin D is one of those. It not only plays a role of vitamin, but also act as a hormone. It is indispensablevitamin for mineral homeostasis and healthy boneformation.
Vitamin D Composition
Vitamin D is available in two forms- ergocalciferol (Vitamin Dz) and cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3). Ergocalciferol is mostly used as a food stabilizer, while cholecalciferol is a natural form of Vitamin D and is formed when your skin gets exposed to sunlight from the endogenous or dietary cholesterol present in the skin membrane.
Role of Vitamin D in Human Body
When it comes to biological function, Vitamin D works for maintaining normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorous. 1-3 Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium in humans and thus helps to form and maintain strong bones. Recent studies have revealed that people should have sufficient intake of Vitamin D to prevent the risk of osteoporosis, hypertension, cancer and many other harmful autoimmune diseases.
Several studies have reported that Vitamin D activates the immune cells present in the body to generate antibodies and thus Vitamin D plays a vital role in strengthening the immune system of the body. Other studies have revealed that Vitamin D maintains joint and muscle comfort. Other functions that it plays are upholding a healthy mood, assisting breast colon and prostate health.
Benefits of Vitamin D in Human Body
Here are a few essential benefits that Vitamin D offers to humans-
Why Vitamin D is So Important for Huma?
Vitamin D is one of the vitamins that are essential for keeping our body healthy. A few important functions performed by this vitamin are-
Signs that You Have Vitamin D Deficiency
Severe deficiency of Vitamin D increases risks of occurring rickets in children due to incorrect patterns, weak muscles, pain in bones and deformities in joints. Kids having vitamin D deficiency can have weak muscles, sore or painful muscles. The deficiency of Vitamin D in adults shows the following signs-
Health Conditions Related to Vitamin D Deficiency
Taking a sufficient amount of Vitamin D in diet may keep you healthy and protected against the following health conditions-
Vitamin D deficiency can be caused by either a few specific medical conditions or some special factors that lessen Vitamin D from your body. They are-
People who are vegan or lactose-intolerant are more prone to Vitamin D deficiency. Fulfilling the Vitamin D deficiency is sometimes difficult with food and sunlight exposure. Thus, it becomes necessary to have additional nutritional supplements in the diet to replenish this deficiency.
The amount of Vitamin D requirements vary in people belonging to different age groups. Usually, infants need 400 IU per day, kids Vitamin D intake varies in between 400-600 IU/day, while in adults,it varies in between 600-800 IU/day. Lactating or pregnant ladies may need 600 IU/day. One can prevent Vitamin D deficiency by taking more Vitamin D-rich food and exposing your body daily to sunlight for 10 to 15 minutes.