The human body has many uses for vitamins and minerals, and must obtain them to perform a variety of functions. One of the main examples of these vitamins that the body uses is Vitamin D. It is important to understand what Vitamin D is, where it comes from, and how it affects the human body. Vitamin D, known also as calcitriol, is a fat soluble vitamin that is essential in the regulation of calcium in the body. The body forms this essential nutrient when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet-B from sunlight. Additionally, food is a source of Vitamin D. Fish is one of the more common natural sources of Vitamin D. Some examples are salmon, mackerel, sardines and cod liver oil. The most common dietary sources in the American diet are from vitamin D fortified foods such as milk, breakfast cereals and health supplements.
After vitamin D is absorbed, it is converted in the liver to its active form. Once in its active form Vitamin D is integral in Calcium regulation in the body. Calcium levels in the body must be very closely maintained. Vitamin D helps keep these levels in check by interacting with specific receptors on multiple tissues of the body. Additionally, Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption and bone growth. It is responsible for up to 85% of the body's calcium absorption. The body must maintain a sufficient amount of calcium, and Vitamin D. Deficiencies in Vitamin D can lead to rickets and bone thinning conditions known as osteomalacia and osteoporosis. These are abnormal bones with low calcium content. Women with vitamin D deficiencies are much more likely to develop osteoporosis with subsequent increased risk of hip and spine fractures.
Calcium And Vitamin D Supplements
In addition to controlling Calcium levels, Vitamin D plays a role in blood pressure regulation. The nutrient plays a significant role in the renin-angiotensin system in the body. This hormone system, when not properly regulated, can lead to hypertension. Due to its ability to regulate this system, Vitamin D can help reduce the risk of hypertension.
Similarly, Vitamin D is important in the prevention of cardiovascular heart disease. Individuals with low vitamin D levels are at a much higher risk for developing heart attacks, strokes and heart failure. Conversely, people with higher levels of vitamin D are at a lower risk for cardiovascular disease. As a result, some cardiologists have recommended checking Vitamin D levels in all patients to screen for deficiencies that may lead to increased cardiovascular disease risk.
Additionally, Vitamin D is important for the immune system. Numerous immune cells of the body contain receptors for the Vitamin D molecule. The interaction of vitamin D with these cells provides immunomodulation which as a whole helps enhance the effectiveness of the immune system. Individuals deficient in Vitamin D are more likely to get infections due to the decreased effectiveness of the immune system.
It is also believed that Vitamin D appears plays a role in cancer prevention and recovery. It has been shown that some individuals with low vitamin D levels have a higher risk of colon, prostate and breast cancer. Vitamin D is thought to play a protective role against cells forming in to cancer cells.
Generally speaking, the recommended intake of Vitamin D is from 400 to 600IU per day. This amount may be somewhat higher for individuals that do not get enough sunlight.
Vitamin D is an important nutrient that the body needs to obtain to perform a variety of functions. The essential vitamin helps with Calcium control, increases immune system effectiveness, and potentially works to prevent cancer. It is important to monitor Vitamin D intake and acquire adequate amounts in order to realize all of these benefits.
Special Price!!! Os-Cal 500 + D Calcium Supplement with Extra Vitamin D - 300 Caplets
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Os-Cal 500 + D Calcium Supplement with Extra Vitamin D - 300 Caplets Feature
- 300 caplets per bottle
- New Formula - Os-Cal now with 400 IU of Vitamin D in each caplet to optimize calcium absorption
- Helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis | Contains the most concentrated form of calcium, calcium carbonate
- OS-Cal was accepted for use by the National Institutes of Health for the Women's Health Initiative Landmark Study
Os-Cal 500 + D Calcium Supplement with Extra Vitamin D - 300 Caplets Overview
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