Vitamin D helps maintain bones and teeth. It is also needed to promote growth and for the body’s absorption and use of calcium and phosphorous. Many people are undiagnosed regarding vitamin D deficiency and should take supplements.

The D2 form, generally found in saltwater fish, dairy products, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, and herbs alfalfa, horsetail, nettle and parsley tends to become a lesser part of dietary content during periods of economic challenge as the populations’ dietary choices become restricted. Available D2 is converted to active D3 via liver and kidney processes. As such, persons with diseases associated with diminished hepatic and renal function have lower capacity to generate D3. In healthy people, D3 is also created via normal biochemical transformations related to sun exposure of our skin.

Other challenges to natural D3 production include: very dark complexion as it blocks much of the sun’s UV rays, very light complexion since these persons tend to minimize sun contact due to skin sensitivity, use of sunscreens with SPF > 60 units may block UV rays excessively, and geographic locations with low or limited sun exposure limit UV contact opportunities.

Deficiency may cause decreased appetite, a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, diarrhea, insomnia, visual problems and weight loss. So, get your vitamin D supplements and stay healthy.

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 10th, 2009 at 1:26 am and is filed under health, nutrition & supplements. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.