Vitamin D is a steroid hormone that requires fat and help from the pancreas for proper absorption. Other names for vegetable sources of Vitamin D include ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2) or cholecalciferol in animal sources (Vitamin D3).
Vitamin D is first produced in the skin when exposed to sunlight and is made up of cholesterol (so go for a walk every morning to get some sun!). At the skin, Vitamin D targets hair follicles and helps prevent hair loss. It also plays a role in the health of our cells and our immune system.
In addition, Vitamin D works hard to absorb calcium and phosphorus. It does this in the intestine and uses calcium and phosphorus to build, stabilize, and breakdown our bones.
It works intimately with calcium and follows it to different organs throughout our body. As a result, Vitamin D interacts with the kidneys, bones, growth plates, and parathyroid glands.
Vitamin D (and calcium) is one of the most common vitamin deficiencies, both before and after weight loss surgery.
Check if you are experiencing the following symptoms to know if you need to increase your intake of Vitamin D:
The great thing about Vitamin D is that it is not hard to find. The best food sources of Vitamin D are fatty fish. A small amount of Vitamin D is found in butter, cream, and egg yolks. But, it is difficult to consume an adequate amount of Vitamin D naturally in our diets. As a result, food and beverages are fortified with Vitamin D.
If you think you are vitamin D deficient, consult a healthcare professional about the dosage that you should be taking.
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