Vitamin D

Vitamin D is normally formed when the skin is exposed to sunlight by a photosynthetic process. Precursors of vitamin D in the skin are converted into cholecalciferol, a form of vitamin D3. This is then transported to the liver and kidneys where it is further converted into a potent, usable form.

Vitamin D, the “sunshine vitamin,” has many important roles in the body. It acts as a regulatory hormone for bone metabolism. Calcium supplements are usually taken with vitamin D because of its role in calcium absorption and in maintaining healthy levels of calcium in the blood. Vitamin D also appears to support healthy immunity

Vitamin D can be obtained through many possible sources such as diet, direct exposure to sunlight, and supplementation. It has been shown 15-30 minutes with your skin exposed to the sun is enough to supply adequate vitamin D for many people. However, the needed exposure varies with many individual factors. It is also very difficult to synthesize adequate vitamin D from sun exposure in winter in colder climates. This makes dietary and supplemental sources of vitamin D of great importance in these areas.