Vitamin D

Interesting facts about vitamin D:

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin
Vitamin D is one of the fat-soluble vitamins, which means that some fat is required in the diet in order for the body to be able to absorb and utilise this amazing vitamin properly.
Vitamin D is a hormone
Vitamin D is classified as a hormone, as it has steroid hormone-like effects in the body. It is a hormone involved in mineral metabolism and bone growth.
Vitamin D is also known as cacitrol
An alternative name for Vitamin D is calcitrol.
Vitamin D receptors exist on all cells in the body
Latest research shows that vitamin D receptors exist on all cells in the body, which means that all cells require some vitamin D to ensure they are functioning properly. This could also be the reason why research also shows that adequate and healthy levels of vitamin D are essential in preventing death from any reason.

Cod liver oil is a very rich natural source of vitamin D at high levels - 1 tablespoon of cod liver oil provides 338% of the total daily requirements

The best source of vitamin D, called cholecalciferol is from direct sunshine
The best source of vitamin D, called cholecalciferol, comes from direct sunshine on the face, arms and legs. Current recommendations for sun exposure are for people to be in direct sunlight on exposed skin (no sunscreen) on the face, legs and arms, for about 10-20 minutes every day in the part of the day when the sun is the least strongest (before 11am and after 4pm). As the sun is the best source of vitamin D, it is imperative that people get enough sunshine every day (or most days) because it is so important for overall health.
The plant form of vitamin D is called vitamin D2 or ergosterol
The plant form of vitamin D, called ergosterol, is found in various plants and plant oils. It is also found in cod liver oil in abundance. This form of vitamin D does not need to be converted by the liver (and the kidneys) into the active form of vitamin D that can then be used by the body for various metabolic purposes.
Cod liver oil is the richest food source of vitamin D
Cod liver oil is a very rich natural source of vitamin D at high levels - 1 tablespoon of cod liver oil provides 338% of the total daily requirements of vitamin D for an adult.

References

Cooper GS, Umbach DM. Are vitamin D receptor polymorphisms associated with bone mineral density? A meta-analysis. J Bone Mineral Research, 1996. 11(12):1841-9
Dawson-Hughes B, Haris SS, Krall EA, Dallal GE. Effect of Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation on Bone Density in Men and Women 65 Years of Age or Older. New England Journal Of Medicine, 1997. Volume 337 (10): 670-676
Gloth FM, Gundberg CM, Hollis BW, Haddad JG, Tobin JD. Vitamin D deficiency in homebound elderly persons. JAMA 1995. Vol 274(21)
Griffith HW. Minerals, Supplements and Vitamins - The Essential Guide. 2000 Fisher Books, USA
Lieberman S, Bruning N. The Real Vitamin and Mineral Book - Using Supplements for Optimal Health. 3rd Edition. Avery Publishing, New York, 2003
P Autier and S Gandini. Ordinary Doses of Vitamin D Linked to Lower Mortality. Arch Intern Med. 2007;167:1709-1710, 1730-1737
Osiecki, Henry, The Nutrient Bible 2002, BioConcepts Publishing

24 June 2013