Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is important for human health. It is important for bone health, immune function, and cell growth. Food is the source of Vitamin D. Foods Such as fatty fish, eggs, and fortified milk. The body can produce it. when the skin is exposed to sunlight.
The chemical structure of vit D is complex. But it is a secosteroid. This means that it is a steroid compound that has been broken in half. Vitamin D exists in two main forms: vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol).
mushrooms and fortified foods are sourses of Vit D2. Vitamin D3 is found in animal-based foods, such as fatty fish and eggs.
Once the body consumes vitamin D, it is converted into a form that can be used by the tissues. This form of vit D is 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol).
Calcitriol is a potent hormone that regulates many different processes in the body, including:
- Bone metabolism: Calcitriol helps to promote the absorption of calcium from the diet and the formation of new bone.
- Immune function: Calcitriol helps to activate the immune system and fight infection.
- Cell growth: Calcitriol helps to promote cell growth and differentiation.
Deficiency of Vitamin D
poor bone and muscle health are due to Severe vit D deficiency. calcium absorption, immunity, and heart function, as well as colon, blood, and bowel cancers.
Vit D obtained from sun exposure, foods, and supplements is biologically inert and must undergo two hydroxylation in the body for activation. The first hydroxylation, which occurs in the liver, converts vitamin D to 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], also known as “calcidiol.” The second hydroxylation occurs primarily in the kidney and forms the physiologically active 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D [1,25(OH)2D], also known as “calcitriol”
The recommended daily amount of vit D is 400 international units (IU) for children up to age 12 months, 600 IU for people ages 1 to 70 years, and 800 IU for people over 70 years.
