Importance of Vitamin D for Your Body

Hello everyone!

The mention of ‘Vitamin D’ often brings to mind the popular Bournvita advertisement emphasizing the role of Vitamin D in calcium absorption. Bournvita is enriched with Vitamin D to ensure children get their required calcium.

Initially, many may wonder why Vitamin D is added to a health drink when the body can produce it in the presence of sunlight.

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There’s a rationale behind this addition. It helps prevent Rickets, a condition caused by Vitamin D deficiency, ensuring children’s health.

Let’s delve deeper into the significance of Vitamin D.

A fat-soluble vitamin, also known as the ‘sunshine vitamin,’ is synthesized by the body when exposed to sunlight.

Why Vitamin D is Crucial?

• It regulates the immune system to combat common ailments like the cold.

• It is essential for the absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus, crucial for maintaining healthy bones.

• It plays a vital role in cognitive functions such as awareness, perception, reasoning, and judgment.

• Research suggests a link between Vitamin D and maintaining a healthy body weight.

• It may reduce the severity and frequency of asthma symptoms.

• Studies indicate a lowered risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis in women with adequate Vitamin D levels.

• It aids in protecting against radiation damage from low levels of radiation.

• Individuals with sufficient Vitamin D levels have shown a reduced risk of developing cancer.

• It facilitates speedy recovery from tuberculosis.

• Inadequate Vitamin D levels may contribute to heart attacks and premature death, underscoring its importance in the body.

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Consequences of Vitamin D Deficiency

• Bone pain and muscle weakness are warning signs of deficiency.

• Increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

• In children, deficiency can lead to conditions like rickets and asthma.

• Potential link to cancer development.

Why do people experience Vitamin D deficiency?

Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency:

1. A strict vegetarian diet lacking animal sources, which are rich in Vitamin D.
2. Inadequate exposure to sunlight due to excessive sunscreen use or indoor lifestyles.
3. Higher melanin levels in the skin can hinder Vitamin D synthesis.
4. Obesity can reduce Vitamin D levels in the body.
5. Impaired absorption of the vitamin by the digestive tract.

Foods High in Vitamin D

• Fish
• Milk
• Eggs
• Fortified cereals
• Mushrooms
• Orange juice

Recommended Daily Intake:

• 600 IU/day for ages 1 to 70
• 800 IU/day for individuals over 70
• 600 IU/day for pregnant and lactating women

Boost your Vitamin D levels by soaking up some sunshine alongside incorporating these sources into your diet.

Stay healthy and take care!

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