2023-05-22 15:33:00
What is vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is of great importance for the body. It is also known as the sunshine vitamin because it can be produced by the body when exposed to sunlight.
Vitamin D performs several functions in the body, the most important being to regulate the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from food. This is crucial for bone and teeth health. In addition, it is also involved in muscle health, the immune system, the regulation of blood sugar levels and the functioning of the nervous system. A lack of vitamin D can lead to a number of health problems, such as osteoporosis, muscle weakness or depression.
Natural vitamin D sources
The main source of vitamin D is usually sun exposure. When UV-B rays hit the skin, a precursor to vitamin D is formed, which is then converted to the active form in the liver and kidneys. However, sun exposure is dependent on various factors such as geographic location, season, time of day, skin pigmentation and sunscreen use.
In addition, small amounts of vitamin D can also be ingested through food. Foods that contain the nutrient include fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and herring. But eggs, dairy products and cod liver oil are also sources of vitamin D.
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