There has been a lot of talk about vitamin D over the past year, leading many of us to question what it actually is and why we need it. If you wish to brush up on your knowledge and learn more about this essential vitamin, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to discover six interesting facts about vitamin D.
What Is Vitamin D?
Before we dive into some interesting facts, let’s unravel the basics about the vitamin.
Vitamin D (also known as Calciferol) is a fat-soluble vitamin. It is produced by your skin when exposed to strong sunlight for long enough. Vitamin D can also be found in a few foods, but not many. This mainly includes animal foods like:
- Fish (salmon and herring)
- Red meat
- Fish liver oils
- Egg yolk
Vitamin D can also be found in fortified foods, making it possible for vegans to access the vitamin. However, due to being fairly hard for most to access, vitamin D supplements are available to safeguard your intake.
Facts About Vitamin D
Now that you know the basics, let’s take a look at some lesser-known facts about vitamin D!
- It Comes From Sunlight
As mentioned previously, our bodies create vitamin D when exposed to direct sunlight. If living in the UK, your body should absorb sufficient amounts from late March to the end of September. During the winter months, however, you may have to hone in on your diet and consider taking supplements.
- There Are Two Forms Of It
Vitamin D is not a single compound. It actually exists in two forms – vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. Vitamin D2 doesn’t get as much coverage as D3, as it is only found in plant based and fortified foods. Vitamin D3, on the other hand, is the form of vitamin D that your body produces in sunlight. It can also be found in some animal products, as listed earlier in this guide. There’s no determining what form of vitamin D is “better” for you, so it’s important to ensure that your body gets enough of both.
- It Can Be Found In Some Foods
Unlike most other vitamins, vitamin D is not present in many foods. This further stresses the importance of a balanced diet, as without one, you may miss out on some essential nutrients.
As mentioned above, vitamin D can be found in foods like oily fish, red meat and eggs. It can also be fortified into many foods such as breakfast cereals and fat spreads.
While the vitamin can be found in food, it’s important to remember that this is usually only in small amounts. Getting out in the sun or taking supplements will forever be the most surefire way to access the vitamin.
- It Supports The Immune System
Vitamin D is most commonly known for supporting the immune system (EFSA, 2010). The immune system protects your whole body from outside invaders, so it is incredibly important to keep intact.
- It Aids Calcium Absorption
Vitamin D3 has long been known to aid calcium absorption (EFSA, 2010). This is important because calcium:
- Is needed for the normal structure of bones and teeth
- Helps to keep a healthy blood pressure
- Is needed for muscle function
- Is needed for normal nerve function (EFSA, 2009).
Without the proper absorption of calcium, your body may not be able to function normally in any of the above areas.
- It Helps To Build And Maintain Strong Muscles
Vitamin D also helps build and maintain strong muscles, particularly when ageing (EFSA, 2010). Muscles are another incredibly important part of your body – they help the heart beat, regulate blood flow, enable us to communicate, and help us to stay physically fit. It’s safe to say that they need all the support they can get!
With these six facts in mind, it’s clear to see just how important vitamin D is for our bodies. Are you getting enough of this essential vitamin?
