Vitamin D is the label for a very important group of micro-nutrients. It acts as a steroid hormone, functioning to switch genes on and off, and helping our cells to function correctly.

Many diseases including cancer, heart-disease, and diabetes have been connected with insufficient levels of vitamin D in numerous studies. In optimum amounts, it strengthens the immune system, nervous system, and bones, joints, and muscles. It can even positively affect your mood. It plays a role in reducing pain and inflammation, as well as helping to control blood sugar and blood pressure levels. Read more about the benefits and functions of vitamin D and signs of vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D is primary obtained through exposure to sunlight, and thus, the modern lifestyle has resulted in many people being perpetually deficient. However, it is difficult to obtain sufficient quantities through diet alone. Read more about sources of vitamin D and the daily requirement of vitamin D.

Vitamin D toxicity or overdose is rare, but possible with large quantities of supplementation. Read more about vitamin D overdose.

In our bodies, there are 3 primary forms of Vitamin D:

1. Cholecalciferol (also known as raw vitamin D)

In the body, the majority of vitamin D begins as cholecalciferol, or vitamin D3. There's a compound found in the skin, which is produced by the liver called pre-vitamin D. When exposed to UV-B rays, pre-vitamin D turns into vitamin D3.

2. Calcidiol (the stored type of vitamin D)

Calcidiol is stored in various body tissues including fat, muscle, blood, and the liver - which creates a reserve of vitamin D. The amount of calcidiol stored regulates the amount of the active form our body can make.

3. Calcitriol (the active type of vitamin D)

Ultimately, calcidiol is hydroxylated by enzymes inside the kidneys (along with other body tissues) into the active type of vitamin D, calcitriol. Calcitriol is very strong steroid hormone, which is responsible for a myriad of health benefits.

Vitamin D (Calciferol) Articles:

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More Information:

Vitamin D (Calciferol) Benefits, Functions, Signs of Deficiency

Vitamin D (Calciforol) Daily Requirement, Dietary Sources

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