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Saturday, March 15, 2014

Vitamin D - Nutrient

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

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

Vitamin D - Nutrient is thus a very crucial nutrient in the proper growth and functioning of the body. This therefore calls for everyone to strive in all means possible to ensure that their bodies get a continuous supply of Vitamin D no matter the age or gender you are in. In case the sun does not provide you with the sufficient Vitamin D then try other food sources of Vitamin D.