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The Importance of Vitamin D
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In the body, the roles and importance of vitamin D are all follows:
In the body, the roles and importance of vitamin D are all follows:
- Maintenance of healthy bones and teeth;
- Supports the health of the immune system;
- Regulate insulin levels and support diabetes management;
- Support lung function and cardiovascular health;
- Sufficient levels of vitamin D can have be protective when it comes to some cancers.1
Despite its name, vitamin D is actually a hormone and not a vitamin. This is due to the fact that the body can produce its own vitamin D as a result of sunlight on the skin. Vitamins on the other hand are nutrients cannot be synthesised by the body.
Sun exposure on bare skin, namely the arms and face, for 5-10 minutes per day 2-3 times per week will allow the body the ability to produce a healthy amount of vitamin D. However, it is important to note that vitamin D has a half-life of 2 weeks. Therefore it is important to have your vitamin D levels checked in the winter especially.
Cholesterol plays a role in vitamin D conversion in the body. The liver and the kidneys also play a role in converting vitamin D into its active form. Therefore, if you are on statins, have kidney or liver impairment, it is a good idea to have your vitamin D levels checked regularly.
People at risk of low vitamin D:
- Those with very dark skin;
- Those with little or no sun exposure;
- Older adults who are frail or in residential aged care or are housebound;
- End stage liver disease;
- Kidney disease;
- Those who are statin drugs.
Vitamin D and food:
It is difficult to get sufficient vitamin D from food alone. There are small amounts of vitamin D found is fish, eggs, UV irradiated mushrooms, margarine and some milks that have enriched amounts of vitamin D.References
(1) Am J Public Health. 2006 February; 96(2): 252–261.
doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2004.045260
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