Vitamin D in Human Body
Vitamin D can be considered either a vitamin or a hormone. It is called the sunshine vitamin. Like other vitamins, lack of dietary vitamin D will cause a deficiency.
The active form of vitamin D is like a hormone because it is made in one part of the body and regulates activities in other parts.
The liver converts both synthesized and dietary vitamin D to an immediate form, which it send to the kidneys. The kidneys then performs the last step – conversion to the active form of vitamin D known as calcitriol.
Functions of vitamin D
Vitamin D (calciferol or activated ergosterol) is fat soluble. Calcium in milk that help bones strong but without the vitamin D or calciferol, that’s also added to milk, the calcium won’t work.
Vitamin D is a regulatory compound.Vitamin D’s most important role is to regulate how much calcium absorbs from food.
This vitamin is necessary for normal tooth and bone formation. Vitamin D is known to prevent loss of bone and to reduce inflammation. Because both of these occur in osteoarthritis, scientists believe that vitamin D may have a positive role in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
In children it promotes bone development and growth. In adults, it is necessary for bone maintenance . In elderly vitamin D helps prevent bone loss and fractures.
Calcium is to send messages along body nerves and to help muscles contract.
Vitamin D regulates the amount of calcium in blood and makes sure it always enough. Immune system needs vitamin D, and it may help prevent cancer, especially colorectal cancer.
Vitamin D in Human Body
