Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in several bodily functions. It is actually a group of prohormones that are involved in the regulation of calcium and phosphorus metabolism, immune function, and bone health.
Vitamin D can be obtained through exposure to sunlight, as well as from dietary sources such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified foods. Once obtained, it is converted in the liver and kidneys into its active form, calcitriol.
Calcitriol helps to regulate calcium and phosphorus absorption in the small intestine, which is essential for bone health and the maintenance of normal blood calcium levels. It also plays a role in cell growth and differentiation, immune function, and reducing inflammation.
Deficiencies in vitamin D can lead to a range of health problems, including osteoporosis, rickets, ibs (irritable bowel syndrome) and increased risk of certain cancers, autoimmune diseases, and infections.
