Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays a role in calcium absorption and bone health, but it’s also involved with many other bodily processes. In this article we’ll explore the role of vitamin D in our bodies, how much we need, and how to get it.
Prevention And Treatment Of Osteoporosis And Rickets
Vitamin D is important for bone health and helps prevent osteoporosis, a disease that causes bones to become brittle. Dr Lauren Papa Vitamin D also prevents rickets, which results in soft bones that can be bent or broken easily.
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, so it’s especially important for people with low levels of this nutrient (like vegans). If you don’t get enough vitamin D or calcium, your body will pull these minerals from your bones instead of absorbing them from food sources such as milk products or leafy greens like spinach and kale. This makes it harder to maintain strong teeth and healthy muscles as well as other organs throughout your body
Vitamin D Has Been Linked To A Reduced Risk Of Some Cancers
Vitamin D has been linked to a reduced risk of some cancers and may help prevent colon, breast and prostate cancer.
Vitamin D can help prevent certain types of cancer by:
• Increasing the sensitivity of cells in the body’s immune system to destroy abnormal cells before they become tumors. Dr Lauren Papa says that it’s not clear how much vitamin D is needed for this effect or if there are any other factors involved; however, research on animals suggests that adequate amounts could be beneficial for preventing certain cancers.
• Making sure that calcium absorption from food remains normal so that bones do not become weak or brittle from lack of calcium as they age (osteoporosis).
Plays A Role In Muscle Function
A deficiency of vitamin D can lead to muscle weakness, osteoporosis, and an increased risk for some cancers. However, many people still don’t get enough vitamin D from diet alone–and it’s easy to see why: Most foods don’t naturally contain much of this nutrient (you’ll find more information on how much you should be eating here).
Fortunately for us all (especially those who enjoy spending time outdoors), there are plenty of ways to boost our intake!
