Home >>  Ask a question >>  Health Advice

Healthy intake of vitamin D is important and necessary for a number of bodily functions

What particular food can we get vitamin D?
(29 Sep 2008)

Vitamin D is found naturally in very foods, but is also added to some and available as a dietary supplement. Exposure to sunlight also triggers vitamin D synthesis with it being produced endogenously when your skin is exposed to ultraviolet rays.
Vitamin D is important and necessary for a number of bodily functions:
  • the absorption of calcium in the gut
  • normal mineralization of the bones
  • bone growth and bone remodeling
Without a healthy intake of vitamin D, bones may become brittle, thin or misshapen, which can give rise to other problems.


On the other hand sufficient Vitamin D prevents rickets and osteomalacia from developing in children and adults respectively. Along with calcium, vitamin D is important older adults as protection from osteoporosis.
There are very few natural foods that contain vitamin D. The following are some dietary sources of vitamin D:
  • Fish like salmon, mackerel and tuna and fish liver oils like cod liver oil are the best sources of vitamin D.
  • Beef liver, egg yolks and cheese also contain small amounts of vitamin D.
  • Some types of mushroom contain vitamin D, but in variable amounts.
  • Fortified foods today constitute the biggest source of vitamin D in our diets. Almost all milk is fortified with vitamin D in the United States. In addition, foods like breakfast cereals as well as some brands of yogurt, margarine and fruit juices contain vitamin D. Cereal flours, milk products and calcium fortified drinks and fruit juices are also fortified with vitamin D.
Vitamin D deficiencies are in most cases the result of a poor diet, impaired absorption, increased excretion or increased requirement. A deficiency occurs when the intake is less than that recommended over time, due to inadequate exposure to sunlight, when the kidneys are unable to convert vitamin D into its active form, or if there is inadequate absorption of vitamin D in the digestive tract. Vitamin D-deficient diets are generally common among individuals who are lactose intolerant or follow strict vegetarianism.
Vitamin D can also be consumed in the supplement form, but make it a point to consult with a nutritionist or dietician before taking any supplements as an excess of vitamin D can cause a number of problems. Vitamin D toxicity can manifest itself in mild symptoms like nausea, vomiting, constipation, weakness, poor appetite, and weight loss. It can also cause more serious problems like raised blood levels of calcium, cause mental status changes like confusion and even heart rhythm abnormalities.
answered by G R on 29 Sep 2008, 8:20:46

 

Read more questions in Health Advice
Related Topics
Related Questions
 
Related Blogs
 
Top Searched Keywords
 
 
 
Send us your questions

(We do not sell your email address)
 
English |  Spanish Sitemap