subject: Most Importance Of Vitamin D [print this page] Vitamin D is fat soluble type of vitamin which is naturally present in very few foods. It is produced from ultraviolet rays of sun. It is essential for absorption of calcium. It is also needed for bone growth and remodeling of bones. In early 20th century scientists found out a childhood disease which could be prevented by vitamin d. It is also called calciferol. It is also important in strengthening bones. There are two types of vitamin d and they are Ergosterol and Ergocalciferol. It has also been called the "sunshine vitamin" because we absorb it from sun.
Benefits of high vitamin d food:
-> It helps in preventing various diseases like chronic disease, type2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, osteoporosis and colon cancer.
-> It helps in keeping teeth and bones healthy and strong.
-> It regulates the growth of cells.
-> It reduces inflammation.
-> Events that indicate need for vitamin d:
-> Soft bones or pain in bones.
-> Growth retardation or bone deformities in children.
-> Bone fractures occurred frequently.
-> Lack of exposure to sunlight.
Food sources of vitamin d include milk, eggs, cod, salmon, sardines and shrimp. Other foods also provide vitamin d cod liver oil, margarine, fortified butter, herring, kippers, mackerel, pilchards, tuna, roe and some fortified breakfast cereals. Out of which the richest source is Sockeye salmon. Unless there is good exposure of skin to sunlight therecommended dose of vitamin D for an average adults up to 10mcg per day. Pregnant and lactating women needs more.
