Importance of Vitamin D

Vitamin D is both a nutrient we eat and a hormone that our body makes. 

Vitamin D plays a much wider disease-fighting role. Being deficient of vitamin D can make a host of various chronic disease and infections. 

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D belongs to a group of fat-soluble vitamins the absorption that enhance of calcium and phosphate in the body. In humans, the most important compounds in this group are vitamin D3 and vitamin D2. The body can also synthesis vitamin D in the skin, from cholesterol, with adequate sun exposure. So, it is often referred to as 'the sunshine vitamin'.

Recommend Daily Allowance

The Indian Dietetic Association, in accordance with the 2010 revised data, recommends 400 IU(10 g) per day with adequate sun exposure.

Benefits of Vitamin D


# Disease prevention

Adequate vitamin D in the body prevents diseases like cancer, rickets, osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, kidney disease, tuberculosis, influenza, obesity, hair loss and depression.

# Vitamin D against Flu

Vitamin D improves the immune function and provides a protective shield against cold, flu and pneumonia.

# Vitamin D for Expecting Mothers

Vitamin D is important in making healthy babies with good immune functions. It also prevents risk of premature births.

Optimum vitamin D intake reduces the risk of injuries die to falls, fractures, high blood pressure and type 1 diabetes.

Vitamin D also speeds up wound healing

# Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency

The symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include depression, backache, obesity, osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, gum disease, premenstrual syndrome, asthma, bronchitis, hypertension and diabetes.

# Sources of Vitamin D

Mostly all the sources of vitamin D are of animal-source, so food fortifications are preferred. Foods like milk and milk products, breakfast cereals and breakfast bars are generally fortified.

Fatty fishes like tuna, mackerel, sardines and salmon are rich sources of vitamin D. 

Vitamin D is also present in moderate amounts in egg yolk, beef liver and cheese.