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What Does Vitamin D Do in the Body?

Vitamin D, also called calciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin which means it is found primarily in animal fat. Unlike other vitamins that must be obtained solely through supplements or diet, vitamin D is manufactured in the body when sunlight comes in contact with the skin. Vitamin D is vital for bone growth and repair, especially in children and the elderly.

  1. Function

    • Calcium and phosphorous levels in the blood stream are maintained by vitamin D. Vitamin D assists in the absorption of these important nutrients during digestion. This role in calcium and phosphorous absorption makes vitamin D an important part of bone growth and maintenance and liver and kidney health. Vitamin D also contributes to the function on the thyroid gland and the immune system.

    Features

    • The vast majority of the vitamin D used in the human body is manufactured in the skin. When vitamin D is consumed it is absorbed into the blood stream from the intestines with the help of bile. From the intestines Vitamin D is transported to the liver where it may be stored or used by the body. The daily Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of vitamin D is 400 IU for an average adult man.

    Types

    • Vitamin D is found in only a few food including fish liver oil, egg yolks, butter and cod liver oil. The body is also able to utilize synthetic forms of vitamin D which are found in supplements. Many foods including milk and cereals have added vitamin D to help individuals get sufficient amounts in their diet.

    Warning

    • Because vitamin D is stored in the body it can be toxic if taken in excess quantities. Vitamin D doses of three of four times the RDA may result in nausea, excessive thirst, confusion, heart rhythm abnormalities, weakness and headaches. Vitamin D is also known to interfere with certain medications including steroids and some seizure drugs.

    Considerations

    • Smog, clouds and wintertime can reduce the amount of vitamin D the body produces. Vegetarians, breast fed infants, people with limited exposure to sunlight and the elderly are all high risk for vitamin D deficiency. A deficiency of vitamin D can cause rickets, a condition which results in soft bones and skeletal deformities.

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