Vitamin D Join newsletter Get this book FREE | Produced by the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight, and found in foods of animal origin, vitamin D is crucial for the development of healthy bones and teeth, particularly during childhood. Without it, your body cannot build or maintain strong bones. How It Works The D vitamin is a fat-soluble vitamin that controls calcium absorption, which affects bone development and is also essential for blood clotting. When it is in short supply, less calcium is absorbed from food and blood levels have to be maintained by taking calcium from bones. Also known as the 'sunshine vitamin', the body stops producing vitamin-D once you have got a suntan. Deficiency Symptoms - Backache
- Tooth decay
- Twisted limbs in children
- Brittle, painful bones
Benefits Osteoporosis Elderly people and those at risk of developing osteoporosis may benefit from taking vitamin-D supplements to increase calcium absorption and strengthen bones. Healthy Teeth Vitamin-D supplements can strengthen teeth and reduce bone loss caused by gum disease. Rickets Vitamin-D prevents the childhood disease rickets, which causes soft, malformed bones. Psoriasis Some people with psoriasis find that their symptoms improve when they increase their daily intake of the D vitamin. Vitamin-D is known as the 'sunshine vitamin' and is essential for healthy bones and teeth. SupplementsIf you have plenty of exposure to sunlight you are unlikely to need vitamin-D supplements. People who cover themselves up from the sun (for example followers of certain religions), particularly if they are vegetarians or vegans; night workers; those who use high-factor sunscreens; and those who are housebound may need to take supplements. Because it is found mainly in animal products, vegetarians and vegans may need supplements. Pregnant and breastfeeding women may also benefit from vitamin D supplements. Multivitamin tablets usually contain 5mcg of vitamin D, but you may need twice this amount if you are over 50. You should not take more than five times the RDA. PrecautionsVitamin D is the most toxic vitamin and side effects include vomiting, headaches, diarrhoea and depression. Taking cod liver oil and vitamin D supplements can result in excessive intake. Children are most at risk of overdosing on D vitamin and should not be given supplements unless under strict medical supervision. Vitamin D Vital Facts Recommended daily allowance for adults: 5mcg Main functions: Food Sources: The adult RDA can be obtained from two canned pilchards. Eating fried foods can reduce your body's absorption of vitamin-D, as can mineral oil (used in laxatives) and a smoggy atmosphere. cod liver oil herrings mackerel pilchards sardines margarine tuna cheddar cheese | Where to get best Vitamin D SupplementsOne of the best online shop you can get bestvitamin D and Calcium supplements is at Wonderlab.com. You can about our Wonderlab.com review. Shop at Wonderlab.com online store. If you are looking for a total and balance solution for you health concerns, we encourage you to try Xtend-Life Natural vitamin. Read our review about Xtend-Life online. You can also Shop at Xtend-Life online store. Return to Vitamins A-Z for more vitamin information. |