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Vitamin D - The 'Sunshine Vitamin'

Vitamin D is commonly known as the 'Sunshine Vitamin'. The growth and maintenance of the normal bones largely depends on this.

About ten compunds with vitamin D activity have been identified, the two most important are vitamin D2 or ergocalciferol, and vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol.

Vitamin D3 was found to be identical to the natural vitamin D occurring in fish-liver oils. Vitamin D in foods and in food concentrates is not easily destroyed by heating. It is soluble in fat and fat-solvents and insoluble in water.

While bile is essential for the absorption of vitamin D, fat helps in its absorption too. This vitamin is absorbed from the jejunum of the small intestine and is transported, like vitamin A, in the lymph chylomicrons to the bloodstream. Reserves of the vitamin are found in the liver, skin, brain, and bones, where it is stored for future use. Excretion of vitamin D and its metabolites occurs primarily in the faeces with the aid of bile salts. Very little vitamin D appears in the urine.

Recommended Daily Allowance - Vitamin D
Men	0.01 mg
Women	0.01 mg
Children	0.01 mg

More on Vitamin D

Vitamin D Benefits

Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms

Vitamin D Sources

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