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Vitamin D

Vitamin D can also be referred to as calciferol. There a few types or variations of this specific Vitamin.

This vitamin is considered a fat-soluble vitamin. In this group, for humans

– the most important type is Vitamin D3. Diet does account for only a small portion of Vitamin D.

Different Types of Vitamin D

1.)  D1  –  ergocalciferol + lumisterol
2.)  D2  –  ergocalciferol
3.)  D3  –  cholecalciferol
4.)  D4  –  22-dihydroegocalciferol
5.)  D5  –  sitocalciferol

Sources:

Skin

–  Production of D3 occurs in the skin from 7-dehydrocholesterol and UV light from sunlight

–  Some animals have very little vitamin D production in this manner

–  Concentration of melanin is important

Foods

–  Salmon
–  Tuna
–  Catfish
–  Sardines
–  Herring
–  Fish oils
–  Egg
–  Beef liver

Functiom:

–  Important role in health of many organ systems
–  Helps the absorption of calcium and phosphorus
–  Can promote calcification of certain tissues
–  Affects certain hormones
–  Affects the Immune system
–  others

Other Health Benefits

1.)  Cancer prevention

2.)  Improved immune system response

3.)  Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease

Deficinecy

–  Rickets
–  Osteomalacia
–  Osteoporosis
–  Confusion
–  Memory loss
–  Other risk factors for chronic diseases

Toxicity  – is often rare

–  Itching
–  Excess urine
–  Nausea
–  Abdominal pain
–  Possible renal failure