What is vitamin D and why do we need it?
In this post, we’ll be discussing vitamin D, its functions and benefits for our health and wellbeing, as well as the sources from which we can obtain it, but first, let’s find out what vitamin D is.
What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that acts as a hormone in the body. It comes in two main forms: vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Here is a more detailed description:
Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol): Found in some plant-based foods and in supplements. It is less effective than vitamin D3 at raising and maintaining vitamin D levels in the blood.
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol): Found in animal-based foods and supplements, this is the form the body produces naturally when the skin is exposed to sunlight, specifically ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation.
Key Functions of Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for the human body for several key reasons:
- Regulation of Calcium and Phosphorus: Vitamin D increases the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the intestine, helping to maintain adequate levels of these minerals in the blood and ensuring proper bone mineralisation.
- Bone Health: It is crucial for the formation, growth and repair of bones. It prevents bone diseases such as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults, which result in soft and weak bones.
- Immune Function: It modulates the immune system’s response, helping to fight infections and diseases. It may also play a role in preventing autoimmune diseases.
- Muscle Function: It contributes to proper muscle function, which is important for mobility and the prevention of falls, especially in older people.
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health: Research suggests that vitamin D may influence cardiovascular health and blood pressure regulation, as well as glucose metabolism.
Sources of Vitamin D
Sun Exposure
The main source of vitamin D is synthesis in the skin following exposure to sunlight. Factors such as latitude, the time of year, the use of sunscreen, clothing and skin colour affect this production.
Food
Few foods naturally contain vitamin D. The best sources are oily fish (salmon, mackerel, tuna), beef liver, cheese, egg yolks and fortified foods (milk, orange juice, cereals).
Supplements
Vitamin D supplements are available and may be necessary for people with limited sun exposure, restricted diets, or certain medical conditions that affect nutrient absorption.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency is relatively common and can lead to significant health problems such as:
- Rickets in children.
- Osteomalacia and osteoporosis in adults.
- Increased risk of infectious and autoimmune diseases.
- Muscle weakness and an increased risk of falls.
Maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D is crucial for general health and well-being, and may require a combination of sun exposure, diet and appropriate supplementation.
Vitamin D and GOLD COLLAGEN®
Vitamin D and collagen are two important components for health, each with its own functions and benefits. Both can work together synergistically to improve overall health:
Bone and Joint Strength: Vitamin D improves calcium absorption, which is crucial for bones, whilst collagen provides the necessary structure for bone and joint integrity.
Skin Health: Whilst collagen improves skin elasticity and hydration, vitamin D can aid in cell repair and regeneration, contributing to healthier skin.
Which of our products contain Vitamin D?
Several of our nutricosmetic products contain this vitamin, as, as we mentioned, it is key to promoting bone health, as well as playing a vital role in strengthening the immune system, improving mood and promoting healthy skin.
Thus, the liquid collagen supplements GOLD COLLAGEN® PURE PLUS, GOLD COLLAGEN® FORTE, GOLD COLLAGEN® FORTE PLUS, GOLD COLLAGEN® ACTIVE and GOLD COLLAGEN® ARTRON, and the GOLD COLLAGEN® HYALURONIC FORMULA tablets, contain Vitamin D. All of these support normal calcium and phosphorus absorption, the maintenance of normal bones, and the normal function of muscles, teeth and the immune system.