Vitamin D (cholecalciferol-D3) is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus. Having the right amount of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus is important for building and keeping strong bones. Vitamin D is used to treat and prevent bone disorders (such as rickets, osteomalacia).
Sunshine vitamin
Vitamin D is sometimes called the “sunshine vitamin” because it’s produced in your skin in response to sunlight. It’s a fat-soluble vitamin in a family of compounds that includes vitamins D-1, D-2, and D-3.
Your body produces vitamin D naturally when it’s directly exposed to sunlight. You can also get it through certain foods and supplements to ensure adequate levels of the vitamin in your blood.
Vitamin D has several important functions. Perhaps the most vital are regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, and facilitating normal immune system function. Getting a sufficient amount of vitamin D is important for normal growth and development of bones and teeth, as well as improved resistance against certain diseases.
If your body doesn’t get enough vitamin D, you’re at risk of developing bone abnormalities such as soft bones (osteomalacia) or fragile bones (osteoporosis).
Here are three more surprising benefits of vitamin D.
1. Vitamin D fights disease
* reducing risk of multiple sclerosis.
* decreasing chance of developing heart disease.
* helping to reduce your likelihood of developing the flu.
2. Vitamin D reduces depression
Vitamin D play an important role in regulating mood and warding off depression, scientists found that people with depression who received vitamin D supplements noticed an improvement in their symptoms.
3. Vitamin D boosts weight loss
Consider adding vitamin D supplements to your diet if you’re trying to lose weight or prevent heart disease.
People taking a daily calcium and vitamin D were able to lose more weight.
Calcium and vitamin D had an appetite-suppressing effect.
Overweight people who took a daily vitamin D supplement improved their heart disease risk markers.
