Functions of Vitamin D

Important of Vitamin D in Nutrition

Vitamin D is also called the “sunshine vitamin”. Vitamin D is produced by the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight. It is also found in foods of animal origin like eggs, liver and butter contain. Vitamin D differs from other vitamins in that our bodies can make it upon exposure to sunlight. In its active form, it is considered to be a hormone. It has hormone-like effects on mineral absorption, bone mineralization and some secretions.

Functions of Vitamin D

Ø  Vitamin D for the development of healthy bones and teeth. Without it, the body cannot build or maintain strong bones.

Ø  Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a role in controlling calcium absorption, which affects bone development and is also essential for blood clotting.

Ø  When vitamin D is in short supply in the body, less calcium is absorbed from food, and blood levels have to be maintained by taking calcium from the bones.

Food Sources of Vitamin D

Eggs, Cod liver oil, herring, mackerel, sardines, salmon, margarine, tuna, and butter contains.

Food Sources of Vitamin D
Cod Liver Oil	200 mg/100g
Margarine	750 mg/100g
Butters	700 mg/100g
Herring	22 mg/100g
Salmon	12 mg/100g
Tuna	4 mg/100g
Roe	mg/100g
Eggs	2 mg/100g
Cereal	2 mg/100g

RDA Of VITAMIN D
Childern	Age	4-6	400 IU
		7-10	400 IU
Males	Age	15-18	400 IU
		19-24	400 IU
		25-50	400 IU
Females	Age	15-18	400 IU
		19-24	400 IU
		25-50	400 IU

Deficiency and Disease of Vitamin D

Ø  Vitamin D deficiency is a lack of a sufficient amount of vitamin D in the body needed for optimal health. Vitamin D deficiency is far more common than once believed. Vitamin D deficiency can result in rickets, osteomalacia, osteoporosis and increase the risk for other potentially serious conditions.

Ø  Vitamin D is essential for many aspects of health, including the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from food, which is vital for healthy bones. Vitamin D deficiency can negatively affect the development and growth of cells, bones and teeth and hormone regulation. Vitamin D deficiency can also affect the nervous system and the immune system.

Ø  Non-Skeletal Manifestations:- Cancers, Muscular: Weakness, falls, myalgias, Cardiovascular: Hypertension, Neurologic multiple sclerosis, Type 1 Diabetes, Rheumatoid arthritis, Dermatologic: Psoriasis, Immunologic: Infections.