Why is Vitamin D So Important?

Vitamin D, a Fat-soluble vitamin, is the only vitamin that is synthesized by our skin when we are exposed to direct sunlight. Vitamin D is then converted to an active form of a hormone known as Cholecalciferol. It plays a vital role in the absorption of calcium and helps build strong teeth and bones. In addition to that, it plays a major role in muscle development as well. It is also responsible for maintaining normal cell proliferation, inhibiting cancerous out growths and also influences immune cell activity. Reports have suggested that adequate levels of Vitamin D in the body helps prevent breast cancer.
 
Advantages of Vitamin D

Vitamin D is crucial in regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, a requirement for healthy bones. Hence, low concentrations of vitamin D leads to poor bone development in children and bone softening in adults, which is called osteopenia. It is also associated with proper functioning of the immune system. High levels of Vitamin D3 in our blood and tissues slow down aging. Vitamin D also helps in the regulation of insulin secretion. Another dreadful disease, hypertension is associated with low blood and tissue levels of several minerals like potassium, calcium, selenium, and Vitamin D. Chronic deficiency of vitamin D results in impaired bone mineralization further leading to bone softening diseases that include Rickets, Osteomalacia and Osteoporosis. Vitamin D deficiency is also linked to chronic diseases like tuberculosis, cancer, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain and cognitive impairment which leads to memory loss and foggy brain.
  
Vitamin D Keeps Many Diseases at Bay

Patients, mainly women who suffer from joint pains and fatigue are diagnosed with Fibromyalgia which is due to low levels of vitamin D in the blood. Diseases caused by auto immune disorders include rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism and diabetes. With regular intake of vitamin D, one can avoid the risk of such diseases.

Natural Sources of Vitamin D

Some natural sources of vitamin D are egg yolk, beef liver, UV-irradiated mushrooms, fatty fish like herring, salmon, catfish, mackerel, sardines and tuna fish oils, poultry and cereals. Leafy vegetables contain minor amounts of vitamin D. Fortified foods such as milk and soya milk are rich sources of vitamin D.

Vitamin D is Crucial for Healthy Living

Current research and trends have supported the use of Vitamin D in the management of type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, multiple sclerosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, musculoskeletal pain, depression, epilepsy, and the prevention of cancer and type 1 diabetes. To summarise, vitamin D is a very important vitamin and is required on a daily basis for the overall functioning of our body.

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