Vitamin D, D2, D3 Benefits

Vitamin D benefits the system by a number of ways. It inhibits certain cells from proliferation; thereby prove helpful in certain cases such as cancer. Vitamin D also helps in the production of cells that aid in cell communication. Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin, which is produced in the body by the exposure to sun's rays. The rays of the sun stimulate the synthesis of vitamin D endogenously.

Increased intake of vitamin D is associated with decreased risk of breast cancer, especially before menopause.

Vitamin D benefits the system by aiding the absorption of calcium in the intestine. Normal bone mineralization is seen, thereby preventing tetany, a condition associated with reduced calcium levels. Insufficient vitamin D in the body results in brittle and thin bones. Deficiency of vitamin D results in rickets or osteomalacia in adults. Vitamin D also aids in the prevention of osteoporosis in adults, in conjunction with calcium.

Benefits of vitamin D also include reduction of inflammation, increased immune function and regulation of the neuromuscular function. The best sources of vitamin D are tuna, salmon, fish liver oil and mackerel. Egg yolk, beef liver and cheese are also considerable sources. Vitamin D is present as vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol in these foods. Fortified foods also prove vitamin D to a considerable extent. Certain foods such as orange juice, breakfast cereals, margarine and yoghurt are some of them. Mushroom provides vitamin D2 or ergo calciferol.

Vitamin D benefits individuals suffering from Alzheimer's, as they are more prone to hip fractures. They are also deprived of the sun due to their home stay. The risk of colon cancer is also reduced with sufficient intake of vitamin D and calcium. Vitamin D increases mineralization, thereby preventing osteoporosis in senescence. This indirectly reduces the susceptibility to osteoporotic fractures.

Deficiency occurs due to the decreased intake of dietary vitamin D. Rickets is the deficiency disease in children, which is characterised by skeletal deformities, soft bones and demineralization of bones. Use of excessive sunscreen and reduced exposure to the sun's rays result in rickets. Individuals who are obese and suffer from malabsorption syndromes are also at high risk. Vitamin D toxicity results in increased serum calcium levels, heart rhythm abnormalities, weight loss, constipation, nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite and mental confusion.

The RDA for vitamin D in adults is 400 IU per day. It is higher for older people, around 600 IU.

Submitted on January 16, 2014