Natural Health Care

Ingested through food, and the body can synthesize it by the action of sunlight from molecules intermediate in the biosynthesis of cholesterol

Vitamin D belongs to a group of fat soluble vitamins and as such can be stored in the body. Vitamins are substances necessary for life to be supplied through the diet, so if you have in mind, the term vitamin D would be wrong, because in addition to ingest food through the body can synthesize it for action of sunlight from molecules intermediate in the biosynthesis of cholesterol.

What are their functions?

Precursor molecules of vitamin D are the 7-dehydrocholesterol present in animal tissues and ergosterol-containing plant tissues. To become a pro-vitamins D3 and D2 need the action of sunlight and end in the body, particularly in the kidney, there are metabolically active forms, calcitriol and ercalcitriol.

The active forms of vitamin D act in the intestine by promoting the absorption of calcium and phosphate in the kidney and stimulates the tubular reabsorption of calcium, which contribute to the mineralization of bones and teeth. Vitamin D also mobilizes calcium stores from bones to maintain adequate levels of this mineral in the blood.

Studies in recent years have linked vitamin D with a possible protective role against diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and colon cancer.

What are the daily recommended?

The daily requirement of vitamin A are 5 micrograms (mcg) for adults. In children under 6 years of age and in pregnant and breast-feeding recommendations are doubled (10 mcg) to promote bone development and proper growth.

Sun exposure in the face and arms several times a week along with vitamin D intake through foods appears to be sufficient to meet these needs.

What food is plentiful?

The best dietary source of vitamin D is fish liver oil. We find also in smaller quantities in oily fish, egg yolk, liver, whole or enriched milk, butter and cream.

Vitamin D found in plants is in the form of ergosterol that is often used in the preparation of supplements and as additives in food.

The food heating or storage for an extended period of time will not affect the stability of this vitamin.

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