Vitamin D

Vitamin D, also known as Calciferol and commonly referred to as the “sunshine vitamin”, is one that everybody needs, yet it is the least prevalent in food sources. Gained from ultraviolet sun rays, vitamin D is primarily formed in the skin. It is essential to the growth and development of humans and is of great support to the immune system.

The nutritional benefits of vitamin D are of great significance at any age, but particularly for young children. A few of the most noted benefits are as follows:

• Helps with phosphorus and calcium absorption

• Assists in the healthy development of teeth and bones

• Assists in healthy cell growth

As it supports overall health and immunity, other health benefits of vitamin D include:

• Guards against the development of rickets

• Reduces inflammation

• Reduces the risk of some cancers (including breast cancer, ovarian and colon cancer)

• Supports a healthy immune system

• Supports and healthy nervous system

• Assists in improving calcium deficiencies

• Assists in healthy aging

• Assists in the prevention of diabetes

• Assists in the prevention of osteoporosis

• Assists in the prevention of heart disease

People who live in areas that experience low levels of sunlight are at the greatest risk for developing a vitamin D deficiency, as are people with dark skin. Also, a breastfeeding mother, who is deficient in vitamin D, can cause a deficiency in her child, as well. The following is a brief list of vitamin D deficiency symptoms:

• Softening of bones
• Pain in the bones
• Bones that break easily
• Knock-knees (in developing children)
• Bowed legs (in developing children)
• Deficient tooth development
• Tooth decay
• Greasy stools
• Diarrhea

• Liver disease
• Crohn's disease
• Cystic fibrosis
• Pancreatic enzyme deficiency
• Celiac sprue
• Gall bladder disease

Although sunlight is the best in terms of sources of vitamin D, foods with vitamin D include:

• Salmon
• Shrimp
• Cod
• Eggs
• Milk that has been fortified with vitamin D

Vitamin D toxicity may occur due to the body's inability to excrete an excess amounts. Stored in the liver, and also found in the skin, fat, brain and bones, excessive unused amounts of the vitamin can be dangerous. Symptoms of toxicity may include:

• Weakness
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Poor growth
• High blood pressure
• Irritability
• Excessive thirst