Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays a very important role. It is one of the few vitamins that is not absorbed directly from food, but rather produced by skin cells from sunlight. It is not a vitamin in the traditional sense of the word, but rather a pro-hormone.
In contrast to many other vitamins, vitamin D is converted into an important hormone which regulates cell functioning and bodily processes. Almost all bodily cells have special receptors for the vitamin D hormone that are dependent on sufficient supply.
Vitamin D Deficiency
A sufficient vitamin D supply is directly linked to sun exposure. However, the nature of modern lifestyles means that most people spend the majority of their time indoors, without sufficient exposure to sunlight.
In the Northern Hemisphere, the sun is not strong enough to stimulate vitamin D production in winter (October to early March). Independent health organisations such as the German Nutrition Society (DGE) recommend getting vitamin D from nutritional supplements during the winter months. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, young children, and the elderly are most at risk of developing a vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamin D directly regulates bodily cells and organ functioning. Vitamin D deficiency can be indicated by various symptoms and can lead to serious long-term impairments such as immune system malfunctioning, bone and teeth diseases, muscle function impairments, and cell cycle disorders.
Health Benefits of Vitamin D (According to the EFSA)
Vitamin D is still being intensively researched. New mechanisms of action of this fascinating vitamin are discovered almost every year. So far, the following statements on vitamin D have been released by the EU.
Vitamin D contributes to:
- Calcium and phosphorus absorption and utilisation
- Blood calcium levels
- Healthy bones and teeth
- Muscle functioning
- The immune system
- Cell division
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