Vitamin D - Essential for Bone Health and Immunity

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Why is vitamin D called vitamin D?

He called it vitamin D because he thought it was the fourth vitamin to be named. It was not initially realized that vitamin D can be synthesized by humans (in the skin) through exposure to UV light, and therefore is technically not a vitamin, but rather can be considered to be a hormone.

Is vitamin D a nutrient?

Vitamin D is both a nutrient we eat and a hormone our bodies make. It is a fat-soluble vitamin that has long been known to help the body absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus; both are critical for building bone. Also, laboratory studies show that vitamin D can reduce cancer cell growth, help control infections and reduce inflammation.

Why is vitamin D important?

Vitamin D helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body. These nutrients are needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. A lack of vitamin D can lead to bone deformities such as rickets in children, and bone pain caused by a condition called osteomalacia in adults.

Where does vitamin D come from?

The body creates vitamin D from direct sunlight on the skin when outdoors. But between October and early March we do not make enough vitamin D from sunlight. Vitamin D is also found in a small number of foods. Another source of vitamin D is dietary supplements.

What Is Vitamin D

1. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-d/
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/benefits-vitamin-d
3. https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/nutrition-and-supplements/article/vitamin-d-what-you-need-to-know-aLHjx8J9E01S
4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_D
5. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/
6. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-vitamin-d/art-20363792
7. https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/nutrition/ask-the-expert/foods-high-in-vitamin-d
8. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-d/

Vitamin D Information

1. https://patient.info/bones-joints-muscles/osteoporosis-leaflet/vitamin-d-deficiency
2. https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/vitamin-d.html
3. https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/food-and-nutrition/eating-well/vitamin-d