What is the function of vitamin D? First of all, vitamin D helps optimize calcium absorption as well as phosphorus absorption. Secondly, it supports cognition and prevents chronic fatigue, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance and heart-related conditions such as the following: hypertension, heart attacks, congestive heart failure and stroke. In addition to this, vitamin D prevents falls caused by muscle weakness and supports bone mineralization processes, thus reducing the risk of developing osteoporosis. It helps regulate both insulin and sugar activity in the blood as well as blood pressure numbers. Moreover, it improves our immune system’s response to external threats, it keeps inflammation and bacterial infections under control via its immune system modulating functions, maintains muscle integrity and supports muscle activity. It further provides benefits for fertility.
Vitamin D deficiency symptoms: muscle aches and weakness, frequent falls occurring especially in the elderly, bone pain and bone tenderness, frequent bone fractures, stunted growth in children, asthma in children (particularly acute, severe asthma), mild impairment of cognitive functions, compromised immune system, chronic fatigue, depression, autoimmune diseases, rickets, infertility.
Observation: Vitamin D deficiency is very often caused by lack of exposure to sunlight. Whether it is because of geographical conditions, occupation, clothing habits or excessive use of sunscreen protection, the lack of vitamin D due to poor exposure to sunlight engenders numerous serious medical conditions which may have a debilitating effect over time. The table above contains an accurate list of foods which can supply our body with small doses of vitamin D. Nonetheless, a proper diet must be accompanied by a generous exposure to sunlight because the sun is our greatest supplier of vitamin D and thus vital for staying in good health.