Vitamin D (cholecalciferol/ergocalciferol)
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Vitamin D is the principal regulator of calcium homeostasis in the body. It is essential for skeletal development and bone mineralization. Vitamin D is a pro-hormone with no hormone activity. It is converted to a molecule that has biological activity. The active form of the vitamin is 1-25-dihydroxyvitamin D, usually referred to vitamin D3. It is synthesized in the skin from 7-dehydrocholesterol via phytochemical reactions requiring UV light (sunlight). Inadequate exposure to sunlight contributes to vitamin D deficiency. Increasing evidence suggests that vitamin D may also contribute to antioxidant function by inhibiting lipid peroxidation. The mechanism of the antioxidant effect is unknown. Vitamin D receptors have been identified in the pancreas.
Vitamin D deficiency in adults can lead to osteoporosis, which results from an imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation. Decreased vitamin D levels result in decreased production of the active vitamin form, vitamin D3. Vitamin D enhances the efficiency of calcium absorption. Chronic vitamin D deficiency results in a decreased calcium absorption and secondary hyperparathyriodism.
Vitamin D has also been found to have anti-carcinogenic activity, including apoptosis in many types of cancer cells. It has also been useful in the treatment of psoriasis when applied topically. Vitamin D appears to demonstrate both immune-enhancing and immunosuppressive effects.
Supplemental vitamin D is available as vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) or vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). The Food and Nutrition Board of the institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences recognizes the biological activity of vitamins D2 and Vitamin D3 are equivalent with age related intakes. Dosages over 3000 IU/day area associated with hypercalcemia, causing multiple debilitating effects. Anorexia, nausea and vomiting have been observed at doses as low as 1250 IU/day. The prolonged ingestion of excessive vitamin D and the accompanying hypercalcemia can result in metastatic calcification of soft tissues, including kidney, blood vessels, heart and lungs.
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> back to About Micronutrients
Vitamin D is the principal regulator of calcium homeostasis in the body. It is essential for skeletal development and bone mineralization. Vitamin D is a pro-hormone with no hormone activity. It is converted to a molecule that has biological activity. The active form of the vitamin is 1-25-dihydroxyvitamin D, usually referred to vitamin D3. It is synthesized in the skin from 7-dehydrocholesterol via phytochemical reactions requiring UV light (sunlight). Inadequate exposure to sunlight contributes to vitamin D deficiency. Increasing evidence suggests that vitamin D may also contribute to antioxidant function by inhibiting lipid peroxidation. The mechanism of the antioxidant effect is unknown. Vitamin D receptors have been identified in the pancreas.
Vitamin D deficiency in adults can lead to osteoporosis, which results from an imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation. Decreased vitamin D levels result in decreased production of the active vitamin form, vitamin D3. Vitamin D enhances the efficiency of calcium absorption. Chronic vitamin D deficiency results in a decreased calcium absorption and secondary hyperparathyriodism.
Vitamin D has also been found to have anti-carcinogenic activity, including apoptosis in many types of cancer cells. It has also been useful in the treatment of psoriasis when applied topically. Vitamin D appears to demonstrate both immune-enhancing and immunosuppressive effects.
Supplemental vitamin D is available as vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) or vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). The Food and Nutrition Board of the institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences recognizes the biological activity of vitamins D2 and Vitamin D3 are equivalent with age related intakes. Dosages over 3000 IU/day area associated with hypercalcemia, causing multiple debilitating effects. Anorexia, nausea and vomiting have been observed at doses as low as 1250 IU/day. The prolonged ingestion of excessive vitamin D and the accompanying hypercalcemia can result in metastatic calcification of soft tissues, including kidney, blood vessels, heart and lungs.
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