Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that’s crucial for maintaining healthy bones, teeth, and immune system function.

It helps your body absorb calcium, which is essential for bone health. Vitamin D also plays a role in regulating mood, supporting the nervous system, and reducing inflammation.

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to health issues like rickets (in children), osteomalacia (in adults), and an increased risk of osteoporosis. Symptoms of deficiency may include bone pain, muscle weakness, and increased susceptibility to infections.

There are two main types of vitamin D:

Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol): This type is derived from plant sources and fungi, often used in fortified foods and supplements.

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol): This is the form of vitamin D your body produces when exposed to sunlight. It’s more potent and longer-lasting than vitamin D2.

Your body can get vitamin D in a few different ways:

• Sunlight: Exposure to sunlight triggers the production of vitamin D in your skin.
• Food: Some foods naturally contain vitamin D, like fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), liver, and egg yolks. Other foods are fortified with it, such as milk, orange juice, and cereals.
• Supplements: If you’re not getting enough vitamin D from sunlight or food, supplements can help. These are often recommended for people in regions with limited sunlight, or for those who have certain medical conditions that impact vitamin D absorption.