What Is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is one of the vitamins we need to stay healthy. Synthesized in our skin with the help of sunlight, it can also be obtained through diet. Dietary vitamin D is metabolized in the liver with the help of magnesium and activated by enzymes produced in the kidneys...
Explore vitamin D, from the basics to its role in everyday life.
Vitamin D is associated with biological processes ranging from bone and muscle function to normal immune system function. This article explains its main roles, sources and points to consider in accessible terms.
- 01Vitamin D’s main roles in the body
- 02Sunlight and dietary sources
- 03Factors affecting vitamin D levels
- 04Professional assessment of supplement use
This content provides general information and does not replace diagnosis or treatment advice.
What Is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is one of the vitamins we need to stay healthy. Synthesized in the skin with the help of sunlight, it can also be obtained through diet. Dietary vitamin D is metabolized in the liver with the help of magnesium and converted into an active hormone by enzymes produced in the kidneys, then used in many parts of the body. Immune responses underlie many diseases today. One of vitamin D’s key properties is its immunomodulatory effect, meaning that it regulates the immune response.
A few properties of this vitamin, whose benefits are numerous, are as follows:
Why are so many of us deficient in vitamin D, which is implicated in problems such as mood fluctuations, allergies, intestinal issues, fatigue and drowsiness?
Vitamin D’s half-life in the body is approximately 15 days. In other words, its level halves about every 15 days. For example, a blood vitamin D level of 50 ng/ml is expected to fall by roughly half in 15 days. This is a short period. Vitamin D is quickly used and consumed after entering the body. Experts therefore describe daily doses as the ideal pattern and monthly or yearly use as less suitable for the human body. Opinions vary on the ideal vitamin D range for adults. Levels of 12–20 ng/ml are considered low in children, while the figure for adults is 30 ng/ml. Low levels are widespread for various reasons, including not going into the sun when UVB rays are present, using sunscreen or other protection outdoors, magnesium deficiency and excess weight. Vitamin D insufficiency is associated with problems such as bone pain, frequent and recurrent infections, difficulty losing weight, weakness, fatigue and hair and nail problems. These can significantly reduce quality of life. Around 10–15 minutes outdoors when UVB rays reach the earth is said to be sufficient to meet daily vitamin D needs. It is also important to remember that scrubbing with shower gel or soap within 24 hours of sun exposure is described as disrupting absorption of the synthesized vitamin D. Skin synthesis decreases with age, and prolonged sun exposure to obtain vitamin D increases skin cancer risk. Your health is in your hands! Do not neglect vitamin D.
