Vitamin D

News: A report by the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) has sounded the alarm over Vitamin D deficiency in India. Vitamin D.

About Vitamin D

• Vitamin D (also referred to as calciferol) is a fat-soluble vitamin.
• Source: It is naturally present in a few foods (like fatty fish (salmon, tuna), fortified milk, and eggs) and available as a dietary supplement.
• It is also produced endogenously when ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight strike the skin and trigger vitamin D synthesis.

Deficiency

• Vitamin D deficiency can lead to weakened bones (osteoporosis in adults, rickets in children), hypocalcemia (low calcium levels in your blood) which leads to secondary hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid glands attempting to keep blood calcium levels normal).

Significance

• It is essential for calcium absorption, bone health, and immune function.
• It plays a crucial role in regulating calcium and phosphate levels, which are necessary for strong bones and teeth.
• Vitamin D also helps regulate the function of immune cells and can influence muscle and nerve function.