Vitamin D
DEFINITION
Vitamin D is a vitamin that is important for the absorption of
calcium and the production of strong bones and teeth.
calcium and the production of strong bones and teeth.
DESCRIPTION
Vitamin D is important for the proper absorption of calcium
from food. It is vital for the control of the levels of calcium in
the blood and also controls the rate at which the body excretes
calcium in the urine. The calcium levels in the body need to be
kept stable so that calcium is available for the growth and renewal
of bone cells. Vitamin D is stored in body in the fat
tissues.
from food. It is vital for the control of the levels of calcium in
the blood and also controls the rate at which the body excretes
calcium in the urine. The calcium levels in the body need to be
kept stable so that calcium is available for the growth and renewal
of bone cells. Vitamin D is stored in body in the fat
tissues.
MEDICAL USE
Always consult your Health Professional to advise you on
dosages. Vitamin D supplements are used to combat low vitamin D
levels and vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency can cause a
range of health issues e.g., vitamin D deficiency in children can
cause rickets, vitamin D deficiency in adults can lead to bone and
joint pain, muscle weakness and osteoporosis and related
fractures.
dosages. Vitamin D supplements are used to combat low vitamin D
levels and vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency can cause a
range of health issues e.g., vitamin D deficiency in children can
cause rickets, vitamin D deficiency in adults can lead to bone and
joint pain, muscle weakness and osteoporosis and related
fractures.
Adequate vitamin D can therefore help prevent osteoporosis, is
used to treat certain skin conditions and can be used for genetic
diseases that interfere with the metabolism of vitamin D. Recent
studies also suggest adequate vitamin D may reduce the risk of
developing other diseases such as multiple sclerosis, but further
research is needed.
used to treat certain skin conditions and can be used for genetic
diseases that interfere with the metabolism of vitamin D. Recent
studies also suggest adequate vitamin D may reduce the risk of
developing other diseases such as multiple sclerosis, but further
research is needed.
Vitamin D also controls the responses of the immune system.
Slightly modified forms of vitamin D have been given to people with
autoimmune diseases e.g. lupus, to control their immune system
responses and reduce the required dosages of other
immunosuppressant medications. Some forms of vitamin D also
decrease the rate at which cells divide and may be used in the
future to control the growth of certain cancers.
Slightly modified forms of vitamin D have been given to people with
autoimmune diseases e.g. lupus, to control their immune system
responses and reduce the required dosages of other
immunosuppressant medications. Some forms of vitamin D also
decrease the rate at which cells divide and may be used in the
future to control the growth of certain cancers.
SOURCES
The main source of Vitamin D is from sunlight, as sun exposure
on the skin produces Vitamin D in the body. The amount of sun you
require depends on where you live and the season. Generally, 6 to 8
minutes, 4 to 6 times per week (on face, arms, hands) at 10am or
3pm is adequate. In winter, longer exposure times are
needed.
on the skin produces Vitamin D in the body. The amount of sun you
require depends on where you live and the season. Generally, 6 to 8
minutes, 4 to 6 times per week (on face, arms, hands) at 10am or
3pm is adequate. In winter, longer exposure times are
needed.
Vitamin D is only available in small quantities in some foods
e.g., fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel, cod liver oil, fish
liver oil, some breads and cereals and egg yolks.
e.g., fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel, cod liver oil, fish
liver oil, some breads and cereals and egg yolks.
DOSAGE
Ask your Pharmacist and Doctor about supplementation. Vitamin
D levels can be checked with a blood test.
D levels can be checked with a blood test.
For people who do not get adequate sun exposure (for a variety
of reasons) and have low vitamin D levels, Osteoporosis Australia
recommends a supplement of 800 IU (international units) per day. In
people with Vitamin D deficiency, vitamin D supplementation of up
to 1000 to 2000IU per day is safe and beneficial.
of reasons) and have low vitamin D levels, Osteoporosis Australia
recommends a supplement of 800 IU (international units) per day. In
people with Vitamin D deficiency, vitamin D supplementation of up
to 1000 to 2000IU per day is safe and beneficial.