Vitamin D is produced in your skin as a response to being exposed in sunlight, that is why Vitamin D is also known as the “sunshine vitamin.” It is a fat-soluble nutrient that is composed with vitamin D-1, vitamin D-2, and vitamin D-3. Your body will start to naturally produce vitamin D when you are directly exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D can also be acquired from consuming certain foods and supplements.
Like all other nutrients, vitamin D also has vital functions for your body since it regulates in the absorption of calcium & phosphorus. It is important for improving resistance against diseases, and for ensuring normal growth and development of strong bones and teeth. Not having enough vitamin D can lead to bone abnormalities.
Calcium and Phosphorus are both extremely important nutrients for having healthy bones. Vitamin D helps in absorbing calcium in your intestines.
When children have vitamin D deficiencies, their bones softens-up and gets weak which is caused by a disease called Rickets. For adults, the deficiency of vitamin D can result to Osteoporosis, the most common bone disease.
Having enough vitamin D reduces the risk of you getting influenza especially during winter.
It can help lower the risk of developing diabetes. Studies have shown that not having enough vitamin D in your system can have a negative effect on the secretion of insulin and glucose tolerance.
Pregnant women having insufficient vitamin D has a greater risk of developing Pre-eclampsia (or also known as toxemia), as well as needing a cesarean section.
Babies with low vitamin D is said to have higher risk of developing atopic diseases and allergic diseases like asthma, eczema, atopic dermatitis.
Vitamin D is extremely important for cell regulation and communication in your body. it can help reduce and slow down the growth of blood vessels in cancerous tissues. It supports in destroying cancer cells.
Having insufficient vitamin D can increase the risk of having various diseases which includes, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, swine flu, autism, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, and asthma severity.
That is why it is important to consume the right amount of Vitamin D daily.