Vitamin D is known as the Sunshine Vitamin. Vitamin D2 (present in our body through the food we eat) is converted by sunlight into Vitamin D3. This Vitamin D3 is converted by the liver and kidney into active Vitamin D that is useful for the body. The excess Vitamin D3 produced is stored by the body for later use.
- Plant-based foods have Vitamin D2
- Some animal-based food has Vitamin D3
Active Vitamin D, in turn, helps in our bodies calcium and phosphorus absorption and balance. This is essential for healthy and strong bones and teeth. Critical for children’s growth and development.
Effect of deficiency
Effect of deficiency
- Rickets in children – soft, thin and brittle bones, bends in bone and other bone deformities
- In adults results in Osteomalacia – pain in bones or weak bones and muscles
- Loss of bone density, thus making one prone to osteoporosis (a condition in which bones become weak and fragile) and frequent fractures
Causes of deficiency
- Low or no exposure to sunlight. People with darker skin actually need more sunlight (as darker skin has lower sunlight absorption as compared to lighter skin)
- Poor diet
- Vegetarians, as they are not getting animal sources
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