Benefits of vitamin D

Mezo | Jun 19, 2010 |

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It is known that vitamin D is present in many types of food, however most of the vitamin D we get is obtained from the ultraviolet rays of the sun, which help in conversion of the provitamin to the vitamin (the active form D3) in the liver and kidneys.

We know that children specially need vitamin D for their growth but we all need it. In today's life style, many people may not be receiving adequate amounts of ultraviolet rays specially those with no physical activities or those who stay at home for a long time. Vitamin D deficiency is not only common in children but also in people over 50 years old, specially women.

How does vitamin D work?
Vitamin D is essential for calcium and phosphorus absorption in the intestine. Together with the parathormone hormone, they regulate the amounts of calcium and phosphorus in our body. It has a main role in mineralization and development of bones and teeth specially in young kids. It also helps the cardiovascular system, the immune system, the musculo-skeletal system and prevents rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.

The benefits of Vitamin D
The benefits of vitamin D are so many to mention and it seems like scientists are discovering more benefits as they research. Vitamin D deficiency in children can lead to rickets which a systemic disease that manifests in the form of bone deformities, fractures, tetany, muscle weakness and growth disturbances.

Studies have also shown a relationship between diabetes milletus and the lack of vitamin D. Children with less exposure to the sun are more likely to develope diabetes milletus type 1. The same thing applies for rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. So, vitamin D can provide protection against rickets, autoimmune diseases, hypertension and others.

There maybe no clear evidence that vitamin D lowers blood pressure but though, there is a strong link between them. It was found that vitamin D can help lower the blood pressure but it is still under research. The heart and blood vessels contain alot of vitamin D receptors so there must be some sort of a link.

Some studies has also shown that vitamin D intake may lower the incidence of breast, prostatic and colorectal cancers.

These are just some of the main benefits of vitamin D. So, whatever your age is, you are advised to get enough sun exposure and to choose the natural food sources of vitamin D .

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