If you’re here, then you probably Google’d: what are functions of vitamin d. This subject along with many others are quite common. We will do our best to answer this and many other similar questions in this article which should ease your mind regarding this subject.
Benefits
De products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Vitamin D is essential for several reasons, including maintaining healthy bones and teeth.
It may also protect against a range of diseases and conditions, such as type 1 diabetes. Despite its name, vitamin D is not a vitamin, but a prohormone, or precursor of a hormone.
Deficiency
Although the body can create vitamin D, a deficiency can occur for many reasons.
Absorbing sunlight is essential for the skin to produce vitamin D. Sunscreen: A sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 can reduce the body’s ability to synthesize the vitamin by 95% or more . Covering the skin with clothing can inhibit vitamin D production also. Geographical location: People who live in northern latitudes or areas of high pollution, work night shifts, or are homebound should aim to consume vitamin D from food sources whenever possible.
Breastfeeding: Infants who exclusively breastfeed need a vitamin D supplement, especially if they have dark skin or have minimal sun exposure. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that all breastfed infants receive 400 international units (IU) per day of oral vitamin D. Supplement drops for babies are available online. Symptoms Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency may include: regular sickness or infection
fatigue
bone and back pain
low mood
impaired wound healing
hair loss
muscle pain If Vitamin D deficiency continues for long periods, it may result in complications , such as: cardiovascular conditions
autoimmune problems
neurological diseases
infections
pregnancy complications
certain cancers, especially breast, prostate, and colon.
Sources of vitamin D Getting sufficient sunlight is the best way to help the body produce enough vitamin D. Plentiful food sources of vitamin D include: fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna
egg yolks
cheese
beef liver
mushrooms
fortified milk
fortified cereals and juices Here, learn how to get more vitamin D from the sun. Dosage People can measure vitamin D intake in micrograms (mcg) or international units (IU). Adults over 70 years: 800 IU (20 mcg).
Sensible sun exposure on bare skin for 5–10 minutes, 2–3 times per week, allows most people to produce sufficient vitamin D. However, vitamin D breaks down quite quickly, meaning that stores can run low, especially in winter.
What Is Vitamin D?
Food sources of this vitamin are particularly important during the times when our exposure to sunlight is lower, such as during the autumn and winter months.
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It is biologically inert and must be metabolized to 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in the liver and then to 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in the kidney before function.