Vitamin D: the health benefits of vitamin D

Vitamin D, also called anthracitic vitamin is soluble in water and essential for the assimilation of calcium, which favors the deposit in the bones. The history of vitamin D is linked to rickets, a disease that decalcifies bones and distorts them. The calciferous acid component of vitamin D can be classified into ergocalciferol or vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol.

Recommended daily dose of vitamin D: 10-20 mg

Sources of vitamin D:
• Vitamin D is contained in fatty fish (herring, sardines, salmon) and fish oil (cod, tuna, and turbot), egg yolk, butter, whole milk and dairy. Vegetables do not contain this vitamin. Unlike the others, vitamin D can be produced in the body. The process of synthesis of vitamin D in the skin is triggered by ultraviolet rays, and is absorbed immediately by the blood vessels.

The health benefits of vitamin D
• It provides transport of calcium and phosphorus to support growth in the bones of children and remineralizes the adults;
• It allows the absorption of these minerals in the intestines, then it transports calcium and phosphorus in the blood;
• It strengthens the immune system;
• It regulates heartbeats.

Useful health tips about vitamin D
• The stocks of vitamin D are mainly in the liver, but also in muscles and fat cells;
• Reserves of vitamin D can be made by sun exposure (about 10 minutes);
• It is recommended for women that are over 50 years;
• Some experts say that vitamin D deficiency aggravates the condition of a person suffering from osteoporosis.

Find out more health benefits of vitamins and minerals.