VITAMIN D FUNCTIONS
Vitamin D functions…
Vitamin D has many important functions. The most important is perhaps helping to regulate the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. It facilitates to maintenance a normal immune system function. Thus far, the body makes vitamin D naturally with direct exposure to sunlight. Therefore, it is sometimes known as a sunlight vitamin. Specifically, it is produced in the skin responding to sunlight.
So far, here are so few symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency. According to ABS data, almost four million Australians experience vitamin deficiency. One of the key reasons to affect such widespread deficiency may be the impulsive use of sunscreen. Its possible sun protection has been taken up a little too well.
Importance of vitamin D
Vitamin D is basically known for its role in bone health. It helps reduce calcium loss from bones too. So, vitamin D is crucial to maintaining strong bones, muscles, and general health. Furthermore, it helps the development of teeth and it is critical for normal growth.
Thus far, vitamin D improves resistance to diseases and infection control. Hence, ultraviolet radiation from the sun produces vitamin D in the skin. So, it is the best source of vitamin D. However, ultraviolet radiation is the main cause of skin cancer too. The human body can only absorb small amounts of vitamin D at any given time. Hence, spending too much time in sunlight may not necessarily increase vitamin D levels. Thus far, it may increase exposure to skin cancer.
Some foods contain vitamin D naturally. Fish and eggs may have some vitamin D. Small amounts, say between 5 to 10 percent of daily needs may be obtained through food. So, some milk and margarine may have added vitamin D.
It is important to get adequate vitamin D. Otherwise there is a risk of developing abnormalities like soft bones. There are no obvious symptoms of vitamin D deficiency. Hence, it may cause significant health effects without proper treatment. It may cause bone and muscle pains too. Thus far, daily exercise helps the body to produce vitamin D.
Vitamin D sources
The main source of vitamin D is exposure to sunlight. So, a steroid in the skin is converted to vitamin D3. It is simply through the action of solar radiation.
Smaller quantities of vitamin D3 may be obtained from certain foods. Thus far, some foods are fortified to contain vitamin D. It simply means vitamin D is added to food. So, the foods that contain vitamin D naturally are salmon, sardines, tuna, prawns, and egg yolk.
Vitamin D2 mostly comes from fungi. These fungi may be used in supplements. However, vitamin D2 is considered less potent than vitamin D3. In addition to getting enough sun, it’s important to eat the recommended dose of calcium as well as undertake weight-bearing or muscle-strengthening exercises for optimal bone and muscle function.
Thus far, fortified food is milk, cereal, yogurt, and orange juice. It is difficult to get adequate vitamin D through sun exposure and food. So, for most people, vitamin D from food sources is not enough. Therefore, it may help to take supplements.
Vitamin D deficiency
Some people are at a greater risk of vitamin D deficiency than others. So, people who may avoid the sun altogether are at most risk. They may do this due to sensitive skin or immune suppression. It may affect people who have less exposure to the sun too. Thus far, they may be nightshift workers or wear covering clothing. Studies show that almost 75 percent of aged care residents are deficient.
So, people with naturally dark skin may be deficient too. The dark skin pigment works as a sun protection factor. It may be equivalent to wearing SPF15 sunscreen. Thus far people living in the equatorial zone don’t have deficiency problems. There is plenty of suns. However, those dark-skinned people living further north or south may be deficient.
Hence, cultures and religions which require people to cover themselves may be deficient too. It applies to people who may have a risk of skin cancer or other skin conditions.
The belief is that obese people have vitamin D stored in body fat. So, it does not do what it should do in other parts of the body. So far, elderly people have lower concentrations of 7-DHC in the skin. Hence, they require larger amounts of sunlight than younger people. Certain medications may contribute to vitamin D deficiency too.
