Vitamin D
February 21st, 2010 | 
Author: Introduction
One of the fat-soluble vitamins, vitamin D constitutes two major forms which are vitamin D2 or ergocalciferol and vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol. Vitamin D2 is synthesised by plants whilst vitamin D3 is synthesised by the body. Vitamin D is naturally present in a number of food sources and dietary supplements, and is also manufactured with the aid of sun exposure. It is produced within the body when ultraviolet-B or UVB rays from sunlight reaches the skin. The liver and the kidney eventually help to convert vitamin D to an 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 concentrations in the blood. Since it works more like a hormone, its active form, calcitriol acts with the parathyroid hormone or PTH. If the calcium level is low, this would trigger the secretion of PTH, which would stimulate the conversion of vitamin D to calcitriol. Calcitriol would then act to increase calcium absorption in the intestines, calcium resorption in the kidneys and stimulate calcium release from the bones.
* Vitamin D helps maintain blood phosphorus levels. Low levels of vitamin D can result to an overactive parathyroid gland. Also with inadequate phosphorus in the body, bones cannot undergo normal mineralisation.
* It is also said that vitamin D benefits the immune system since the T-cells or immune cells have receptors for vitamin D. It acts by boosting phagocytosis, the bodily functions to combat tumours, modulate neuromuscular and immune functions and reduce inflammation.
* Vitamin D is also responsible for maintaining normal cell growth and function. It may be an important element to the prevention and treatment of cancer. It has also been suggested that vitamin D plays a role in regulating the growth and function of brain cells.
* Research studies suggest that vitamin D, because of its anti-inflammatory effect, plays a role in providing protection against osteoporosis, hypertension, cancer, type 1 diabetes, psoriasis and numerous autoimmune diseases.
Deficiency Conditions
There may be certain underlying causes of vitamin D deficiency. It can result from:
* Inadequate vitamin D intake together with inadequate sun exposure
* Certain disorders that compromise vitamin D absorption
* Conditions that can impair the conversion of vitamin D metabolites such as kidney or liver diseases or hereditary disorders.
Insufficient vitamin D intake can have serious effects on the bones, which can make them thin, brittle or deformed. Vitamin D deficiency often results in conditions like:
* Rickets which is common in children and is characterised by delayed growth and deformity of long bones.
* Osteomalacia, which occurs in adults and results in thinning of the bones. Signs of proximal weakness and bone fragility are familiar characteristics.
* Osteoporosis which is a condition wherein the bone mineral density is reduced and bone fragility is increased.
<p>Lack of vitamin D may also be linked to increased susceptibility of several chronic diseases like high blood pressure, cancer, tuberculosis, periodontal disease, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, schisophrenia, depression, affective disorders, 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 includes muscle aches, myopathy or muscle weakness and bone pain. These symptoms can occur at any age. Pregnant mothers who have vitamin D deficiency can also cause fetal deficiency.
In younger infants, rickets can produce a condition called craniotabes or softening of the skull. In older babies, rickets can impede or delay sitting and crawling and the closure of the fontanels; bossing of the infants’ skull and presence of costochondral thickening or what is referred to as ‘rachitic rosary’. Children with rickets aged 1-4 years old experience epiphyseal cartilage enlargements on the long bones and delayed walking. Older children and adolescents can experience pain upon walking and in worst cases it can result in ‘bowlegs’ or ‘knock-knees’.
Tetany that is caused by hypocalcemia may go along with vitamin D deficiency in infants and adults. This condition can lead to symptoms such as loss of feeling in the lip or tongue areas and the fingers, facial spasms, and at worst, seizures.
Recommended Daily Dose of Vitamin D
Doses or intake of vitamin D is determined according to age groups. These amounts are vital to maintain normal growth and bone health and also normal calcium metabolism in the body. The adequate intakes or AIs for vitamin D indicated are based on the supposition that the vitamin D is not synthesized by sunlight exposure.
From birth to age 13, the recommended AI for children is 5 mcg or 200 IU; for both males and females aged 14-50 years old, 5 mcg or 200 IU is needed; for both males and females aged 51-70 years of age, 10 mcg or 400 IU is required; both males and females reaching the age of 71 and up require 15 mcg or 600 IU of vitamin D. Pregnant and lactating mothers need 5 mcg or 200 IU of the vitamin.
Vitamin D Food Sources
Only a few food sources contain vitamin D. Best sources of vitamin D are fish meat and fish liver oils. There are also small amounts of vitamin D, in the form of vitamin D3, found in dairy products like cheese and egg as well as beef and liver. Some types of mushrooms also contain varying amounts of vitamin D2.
Common sources of vitamin D include the following:
* Cod liver oil
* Fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines
* Milk including non-fat, reduced fat, whole or vitamin D fortified
* Margarine
* Cereals
* Egg
* Beef liver
* Swiss cheese
* Fortified orange juice
* Fortified rice or soy beverage
The Need for Increased Amounts
Since obtaining sufficient amounts of vitamin D in the diet can be quite difficult, many people now consume vitamin D fortified foods in order to maintain a healthy dose of the vitamin. There are some groups however who need increased amounts of vitamin D:
* Breastfed infants because vitamin D cannot be supplied by breast milk alone
* Older people due to the fact that synthesis of vitamin D decreases with age and the ability of the kidney to convert vitamin D diminishes
* People with limited sun exposure especially those living in northern latitudes, those wearing robes or head covers or those with occupations that prevent them from having sun exposure
* People with dark skin as more skin pigments like melanin reduces the ability of the skin to produce vitamin D.
* People with fat malabsorption conditions such as Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis, liver and celiac disease or patients who have undergone surgical removal of any part of the stomach or intestine.
* People who are obese. An increased amount of subcutaneous fat can snatch more of the vitamin D and somehow alter its release in the circulation.
Interaction of Vitamin D with Prescribed Drugs
Vitamin D supplements have the tendency to react with certain types of prescription medications. These include the following:
* Steroids or corticosteroid medications like prednisone which can cause decreased calcium absorption and also damage the vitamin D metabolism process.
* Weight-loss medications such as orlistat and cholesterol-lowering drugs like cholestyramine also decrease the absorption of vitamin D and other fat-soluble vitamins.
* Phenobarbital and phenytoin increases vitamin D metabolism and decreases calcium absorption.
Question about vitaminsVitamins??
I am 14, am highly active, have slightly unruly skin and need more energy-better immune system-need to improve my memory and would like to be able to build muscle faster what vitamins/minerals/herbs/Chinese medicine tricks/ home remedies/tips/doctor's opinions anything i just would like to know how to improve my overall well being! thx!!!
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Posted in Healthcare
Hi Kronzee. I just gave all of the other answers 'thumbs down' ratings. Each answer contained 'factual errors'.
Unless yogurt is specifically fortified with Vitamin D, it is NOT a good source of vitamin D. Here is a quote on this issue from the biomedical literature: "commercially available yogurt contains no vitamin D, and … this fact is not generally recognized by lay persons and health professionals." (1)
Honey, if there was a serious issue about Vitamin D deficiency in breastfed babies then we would have entire generations of people with rickets and poor bone development. This, as far as I am concerned, is just another ploy by Major Corporations, to sell more product. It's not harmful to give the vitamin and if baby or you gets no sunlight at all then it's a good thing but it's gotten way too much hype over the last few years. If you truly needed the supplements before hand they wouldn't have let you leave the hospital without them.
Ah, you don't absorb Vitamin D from sunlight. Sunlight triggers the production of Vitamin D in your skin cells. Sunlight is the catalyst.
putos gringos cara de verga metanse su ingles por el culo
My favorite part is when that girls is sucking on the carot. Make like a bunny and suck it!
I think it is Vitamin A that promotes healthy skin, hair and nails, but any nutritional deficiency will affect your hair. It shouldn't hurt to take a good multivitamin every day as few people eat as they really should these days. Don't overdo it as some vitamins can be toxic in high amounts.
Your hair is only going to grow about a half inch per month, but if you keep it strong and healthy, it will split and break less and seem to grow faster. Avoid perms, hair coloring, curling or straightening irons, and over drying with a hair blower if you really want your hair to be healthy as they are the things most likely to damage it.
AC11 = dna repair.
It’s the active ingredient in several prescription acne medications (in a topical form). Ingestive results are more varied.
That’s a mirror you’re looking at!
Vitamin D is produced by your skin in response to exposure to ultraviolet radiation from natural sunlight.
The current recommended Vitamin D intake for children is 400 IU per day. You would need to have your child drink 4 8 ounce glasses of milk per day to reach that level. 2 year olds only need 2 cups of milk per day, though. You don't want to push too much milk, especially with a 2 year old, as it can fill up tiny tummies and cause them to not eat well. You can ask your pediatrician about a Vitamin D supplement, but he/she may suggest a children's multi vitamin. Just read the labels on the vitamins and choose one with adequate Vitamin D. When it comes to nutrition, balanced is best so avoid too much of any one thing. If your child also like yogurt and cheese, check those labels as well. Even with cow's milk, the vitamin D is fortified as it doesn't naturally contain adequate amounts of Vitamin D. The natural source of Vitamin D is sunshine. If your child is eating a wide variety of food and spending some time out in the sun, she is probably getting adequate amounts of Vitamin D. Check with your pediatrician for his/her recommendations about supplements.
does vitamin a works against acne?
Just put the dropper into her cheek and gently squirt it in her mouth. Don't do it directly down her throat. Don't worry if she doesn't get it all. My daughter is excluslvely breastfed and is almost 5 months old. I think I have given her the vitamin D, maybe 6 or 7 times total. ( I always forgot) and she is fine. Some doctor's don't think they actually need it, since they get enough through mother's milk. If you do want to give it to her, just get as much in her as you can, really it won't be a big deal if she spits some out.
You can mix it with your milk that is fine too, but like I said, I wouldn't stress over it. Since your baby is so young, you should try to avoid bottles until breastfeeding is established. I know that it may be painful, it was for me, but trust me it does get better. Eventually your baby wlll be an efficient feeder and you will be better at it too. Don't give up, it is hard, but there is such a sense of accomplishment when it is all worked out. Get a good lactation consultant if you need to, they can be a real life saver.
Try getting out in the sun for about 15 minutes a day, that should help.
You can buy a multivitamin complex online. It’s very inexpensive
Vitamin A can be bought for cheap at online vitamin stores. Dont waste your money on Rite Aid and CVS brands. They’re ALWAYS overpriced. I get my vitamin A at iHerb, and if you use the code PED549 at checkout you will get $5 off your first order. This stuff is AMAZING for acne.
yes it does
Your body makes vitamin D when you are exposed to the ultraviolet B (UVB) rays in sunlight. You probably need from 5 to 30 minutes of exposure to the skin on your face, arms, back or legs (without sunscreen) twice every week. Since exposure to sunlight is a risk for skin cancer, you should use sunscreen after a few minutes in the sun and even in the winter and on hazy, cloudy days.
The amount of exposure also depends on the time of the year. In the northern hemisphere, the UVB is more intense during the summer months and less intense during the winter months. In fact, if you live north of the 42-degrees latitude, you will have a difficult time getting enough vitamin D from the sun from November through February. If you live north of a line drawn on a map from the northern border of California to Boston, Massachusetts, you will probably need additional vitamin D from the foods you eat during the winter.
The intensity of UVB rays is also reduced by clouds, pollution and UVB will not travel through glass, so sitting next to a window will not give you enough sunlight to make vitamin D.
Vitamin D is found in oily fish like tuna and salmon as well as in fortified foods like milk and breakfast cereals. You can also take vitamin D supplements.
Vitamin D is necessary for absorption and utilization of calcium, so you need adequate amounts of vitamin D for healthy bones. A deficiency of vitamin D in children will cause rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Research studies also suggest that getting enough vitamin D may help to prevent high blood pressure, multiple sclerosis and some forms of cancer.
I found a great website but now I’ve lost it. It mentioned erm, Zinc, Vitamin A and others I can’t remember though.