What is vitamin D and its benefits?

What is vitamin D and its benefits?

Vitamin D has several important functions. Perhaps the most vital are regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorus and facilitating normal immune system function ( 1 ). Getting enough vitamin D is important for typical growth and development of bones and teeth, as well as improved resistance to certain diseases.

What are the 3 functions of vitamin D?

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for the body. The body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium. Vitamin D also plays a role in bone growth, bone healing, and immune system function.

What are 4 benefits of vitamin D?

What Vitamin D May Do for Your Health

• Improve Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (Seasonal Depression)
• Protect Against Respiratory Infections.
• Help Protect Against Heart Disease and Stroke.
• Reduce the Risk for Type 2 Diabetes.

What happens if vitamin D is low?

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to a loss of bone density, which can contribute to osteoporosis and fractures (broken bones). Severe vitamin D deficiency can also lead to other diseases. In children, it can cause rickets. Rickets is a rare disease that causes the bones to become soft and bend.

Which fruit is rich in vitamin D?

Orange. There are limited Vitamin D fruits. Around 75% of the people worldwide are either allergic to dairy products or are lactose intolerant, and some of them are vegan. So, orange or orange juice is the best option with vitamin D and other nutrients such as calcium.

What is the most important function of vitamin D?

One of the main functions of vitamin D is to help balance the levels of calcium and phosphorus in our bodies, which are needed to form our bones and teeth, to help our muscles contract, to help nerves carry messages between the brain and the body and to keep our cells functioning well.

Can too much vitamin D be harmful?

The main consequence of vitamin D toxicity is a buildup of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia), which can cause nausea and vomiting, weakness, and frequent urination. Vitamin D toxicity might progress to bone pain and kidney problems, such as the formation of calcium stones.

What happens if you don’t get enough vitamin D?

Adults who do not get enough vitamin D are at risk for osteomalacia (weak bones), osteoporosis (thin bones), and muscle weakness. This can increase the risk of bone fractures and falls.

Does vitamin D affect sleep?

Research links vitamin D levels to sleep quality. In fact, several studies associate low levels of vitamin D in your blood to a higher risk of sleep disturbances, poorer sleep quality and reduced sleep duration ( 9 , 10 , 11 ).

Which is the best fruit for vitamin D?