This vitamin is necessary for normal tooth and bone formation. The active form of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D or calcitriol, also regulates the transcription of a number of vitamin D-dependent genes coding for calcium transporting proteins and bone matrix proteins.
Recent studies show that vitamin D status is positively correlated with health conditions such as cancer, immunity disorders, diabetes, muscle disorders and cardiovascular disease.
Deficiencies in vitamin D result in rickets (deformities of bones, such as bow-legs and curvature of the spine) and teeth defects. Fish oils, and especially fish liver oils, are excellent sources of vitamin D. The intake of foods fortified with vitamin D such as milk, cereals and orange juice can increase vitamin D in the diet.
The human body also able to synthesize this vitamin form components of the skin exposure to ultraviolet light or sunlight. Vitamin D is routinely added to milk.
Properties of vitamin D
