What is Vitamin D? - Vitamin D, calciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin. It is found in food, but also can be made in your body after exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun.
The major biologic function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and maintain strong bones. It promotes bone mineralization in concert with a number of other vitamins, minerals, and hormones.
Without vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle, soft, or misshapen. Vitamin D prevents rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults, which are skeletal diseases that result in defects that weaken bones.
Learn more about Vitamin D and its Sources by visiting:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2002/02/23/vitamin-d-part-five.aspx
Winter is the time of year when most people in the United States need to be very diligent about keeping our vitamin D levels within optimal levels.
Dr. Joseph Mercola is the founder of the number 1 Natural Health Information website and publisher of the FREE Mercola.com health newsletter.
