Vitamin D is an essential fat soluble vitamin naturally found in various food sources and sunlight. Sunlight is the richest natural source of Vitamin D. on exposure to sunlight, the human body absorbs Vitamin D and stores in the body for vital body functions.
Natural Vitamin D is essential for maintaining normal blood levels of calcium, phosphorous and minerals required for normal functioning of organs and tissues, especially bones and teeth. Apart from mineralizing bone tissues, this vitamin also helps in assimilation of calcium and phosphorous and promoting healthy eyes.
Vitamin D is also believed to slow down the effects of arthritis, lessen back pain, reduce blood cholesterol and prevent various types of cancer. The benefits of this vitamin are far reached and every day a new benefit is being reaped by various food nutritionists.
Even though sunlight is the richest source, milk, salmon, tuna, butter, sprouted seeds and fish liver oils are also some of the natural sources of Vitamin D. Optimum level of Vitamin D in kids is 25 μg-50 μg and for adults it is 50μg-75μg. If the right amount of natural Vitamin D is not consumed by the body, it causes rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults. Symptoms include weak bones, bleeding gums, tooth decay, pain, skin rash and weakness. No other vitamin can curb the deficiency symptoms of Vitamin D.
Vitamin D is good for healthy growing but can have adverse affects in case of toxicity. Natural food sources do not have many effects but supplements and over exposure to skin often causes symptoms of Vitamin D toxicity. Symptoms include nausea, poor appetite, constipation, weakness and weigh loss. It also enhances assimilation of calcium, resulting in mental disorder and heart rhythm abnormalities.
To conclude, it is very essential to consume the right amount of natural Vitamin D for normal functioning of the body organs and tissues.