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| source : http://hepcsupport.org |
There have been various
understandings of vitamin D - Nutrient. Some people say that it is a medical
treatment administered in the form of a
dose because our bodies may not obtain it through food. Others believe that it
is a hormone that is made in the body while others say it is an important
nutrient. All these are true depending on how one takes it. However it is
crucial for us to understand that vitamin D - Nutrient can be made in our own
skins when we expose it to sunlight.
Vitamin D Sources
Vitamin D - Nutrient is a
hormone and a nutrient. The food sources that are rich in Vitamin D include the
fortified food and Vitamin supplements. The best sources of vitamin D include
the cereals and dairy products which are fortified with this nutrient. Salmon,
Tuna and other fatty fishes are also a rich source of vitamin D. Taking vitamin
D supplement is considered by most people as the most effective way of getting
this nutrient. There are two forms of vitamin D used in the supplement i.e. Vitamin
D2 also known as ergocalciferol and Vitamin D3. Vitamin D can also be obtained
from the sun through our skins but application of sunscreen reduces the ability
of our skins to absorb it by 90%.
Risks that one may encounter under low vitamin D
Vitamin D - Nutrient aids the
body in retaining phosphorus and calcium which are both crucial in the bone
formation process. Various researches have shown that vitamin D reduces the
rate at which the body can get infections and the growth of cell cancer.
Role of Vitamin D in the bone formation process
Role of Vitamin D in the bone formation process
In case one is deficient in
Vi0tamin D then they are likely to experience malformation and softening of
bones a condition known as osteomalacia in adults or rickets in children. It
does this by increasing the body's ability to absorb calcium from the food that
you eat and also reducing the calcium lost through excretion in urine.
Role of vitamin D in the blood sugar control and immunity control
Various researchers have revealed that people with low vitamin D has
conditions of high blood sugars or diabetes. Bringing the levels of vitamin D
up has helped in normalizing this situation. Furthermore this nutrient helps
white blood cells to mature. White blood cells act as guards in the body
against any type of infection. This therefore helps boost the immunity of the
body.
Vitamin D and Heart Disease Control
The heart is a large muscle
and has receptors for vitamin D. It helps in controlling the blood pressure and
prevents the arteries from getting damaged. This shows why some people having
low levels of Vitamin D are subjected to conditions such as heart disease,
cardiovascular disease and even stroke.
Reference : http//:www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitaminD
Conclusion
