Health & WellnessVitamins & NutritionVitamin D

Found in?

Vitamin D is produced in our body upon exposure to sunlight and foods are generally low on this Vitamin. Cod liver oil (and other fish liver oils) is a good source and other food sources include fish, egg yolks and fortified foods like milk.

Functions?

Vitamin D's function lies in the development of bones, protecting our bodies against muscle weakness. Vitamin D combined with calcium is said to have anticancer properties too.

Good for?

Strong bones, tooth decay, prevention of osteoporosis (combined with calcium and exercise), high blood pressure.

Deficiency symptoms, adverse effects?

Symptoms of too much Vitamin D include nausea, loss of appetite, headache, fatigue, diarrhea and restlessness.

Deficiency of Vitamin D in children leads to rickets (stunted growth, bone deformities, delayed tooth growth) while in adults the following conditions are caused by lack of this nutrient: hypocalcemia (low level of calcium in the blood level), osteomalacia (reduction of mineral content in the bone), and osteoporosis.