Vitamin D

Introduction

A fat-soluble vitamins, vitamin D is that two major forms are vitamin D2 or ergocalciferol and vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol. Vitamin D2 is synthesized by plants of vitamin D3, everything is synthesized by the body. Vitamin D is naturally present in a number of food sources and dietary supplements, and is also manufactured using sunlight. It is produced in the body when ultraviolet B or UVB rays reach the skin. The liver and kidney may help convert vitamin D to active hormone form.

Functions of vitamin D

Vitamin D plays several key roles in the maintenance of organ systems. For example:

* Vitamin D helps regulate calcium levels in the blood. As it works like a hormone in its active form, calcitriol acts with parathyroid hormone or PTH. If the calcium level is low, this would trigger the secretion of PTH, which stimulates the conversion of vitamin D to calcitriol. Calcitriol, so the effect of increasing calcium absorption in the intestine resorption of calcium in the kidneys and stimulates the release of calcium from bone.

* Vitamin D helps maintain blood concentrations of phosphorus. Low levels of vitamin D can cause an overactive parathyroid gland. Also with the lack of phosphorus in the body, the bone can not undergo normal mineralization.

* It is said that vitamin D benefits the immune system since T-cells or immune cells have receptors for vitamin D. It works by stimulating phagocytosis, the functions of the body to fight against tumors, modulate immune function and neuromuscular and reduce inflammation.

* Vitamin D is also responsible for maintaining normal cell growth and function. It may be an important element of prevention and treatment of cancer. It was also suggested that vitamin D plays a role in regulating the growth and function of brain cells.

* Studies suggest that vitamin D because of its anti-inflammatory effect, plays a role in protecting against osteoporosis, hypertension, cancer, type 1 diabetes, psoriasis and many autoimmune diseases .

Deficiency conditions

There may be some underlying causes of vitamin D. It may result from:

* Lack of vitamin D taken with insufficient exposure to sunlight

* Some conditions that compromise vitamin D absorption

* Conditions that may affect the conversion of vitamin D metabolites such as kidney or liver disease or inherited disorders.

Inadequate vitamin D can have serious effects on bone, which may make them thin, fragile or deformed. Vitamin D deficiency often results in conditions such as:

* Rickets is common in children and is characterized by stunted growth and deformity of long bones.

* The osteomalacia, which occurs in adults and results in thinning of the bones. Signs of proximal weakness and bone fragility are familiar characteristics.

* Osteoporosis is a condition in which bone mineral density is reduced and bone fragility is increased.

<p> lack of vitamin D may also be linked to increased susceptibility to many chronic diseases such as hypertension, cancer, tuberculosis, periodontal disease, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, schisophrenia, depression, disorders emotional, peripheral arterial disease and a number of autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes. </ P>

Deficiency symptoms in adults and infants

Signs of vitamin D deficiency include muscle pain, myopathy or muscle weakness and bone pain. These symptoms can occur in a.