Vitamin D information, Benefits, Deficiency

Vitamin D (Calciferol, Viosterl, Ergosterol, Sunshine Vitamin) Information

Vitamin D is also known as Calciferol, Viosterl, Ergosterol, Sunshine Vitamin. It is fat soluble. Vitamin D is acquired through sunlight or diet. Ultravoilet sunrays act on the oils of the skin to produce the Vitamin D, which is then absorbed into the body. The biologically active form of the hormone is 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D 3 (1,25-(OH) 2 D 3). The good thing about vitamin D is, if you go outside, you won't get a deficiency. You have to make sure to be out long enough, though. If you have darker skin, the ultraviolet light cannot penetrate as easily (up to 95% of ultraviolet radiation can be blocked by dark skin). There is a group of vitamin D of which D 2 (calceferol) and D 3 (cholecalciferol) are chief required for our body.

When taken orally, Vitamin D is absorbed with fats through the intestinal walls. It is measured in internations Units (IU).

Dosage of Vitamin D

The RDA for sdults is 400 IU. Smog reduces the Vitamin D production through the skin stops.

Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms

Rickets is a disease that occurs in children who do not get enough vitamin D. Abnormal bone formation occurs in those with vitamin D deficiency. The deficiency is more common in the winter when access to sunlight is restricted. Healthy babies are born with enough D in their bodies to last them 9 months without getting symptoms of a deficiency. When you are an adult and don't get enough vitamin D, you get a disease called osteomalacia. In this disease, your bones become soft and more easily bendable. Sufferers can experience deformities of the spinal cord, thorax, limbs, and pelvis. Vitamin D has been used in those with the following health problems:

• Crohn's Disease
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Osteoporosis
• Rickets/osteomalacia

Benefits of Vitamin D

Vitamin D is helpful in several ways.

• Properly utilize calci and phosphorus necessary for strong bones and teeth.
• Taken with vitamin A and C it can aid in preventing cold
• Help in treatment of conjustivitis
• Maintains a healthy nervous and immune system
• Treats low blood calcium with patients with kidney disease
• Potential reduction in breast and colon cancer
• Aging symptoms may be treated
• Aid in assimlating Vitamin A.