Why does the human body need so much vitamin D?

Vitamin D helps the body use calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and teeth; a deficiency can lead to rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults.

Experts from the PCC Center in Singapore say that vitamin D plays a crucial role in preventing many diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and rickets. Vitamin D is found in salmon, tuna, milk, eggs, cereals, and especially in sunlight.

Vitamin D is essential for bone development in young children. Photo: Health.

Vitamin D is the name of a group of fat-soluble prohormones. Prohormones are substances with little hormonal activity; the body can metabolize them into hormones. Vitamin D helps the body utilize calcium and phosphorus, making bones and teeth strong. A deficiency in these substances can weaken bones, leading to rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults.

Most people obtain vitamin D through sun exposure. The effects of vitamin D on cancer have been extensively studied. Numerous studies by the American Cancer Research Association indicate a link between increased vitamin D levels and a reduced risk of breast cancer. Specifically, those who consume sufficient vitamin D have a 50% lower risk of breast cancer.

A Harvard University study confirms that increased vitamin D levels improve survival rates for lung cancer patients. This vitamin affects the structure of epithelial cells. If the human body has enough vitamin D, epithelial cells remain healthy, thereby reducing the risk of cancer.

Experts recommend that just 10 minutes a day of sun exposure (without sunscreen) on 40% of the body can provide up to 5,000 IU of vitamin D. Natural food sources of vitamin D include fatty fish, cod liver oil, and eggs. Most vitamin D comes from fortified foods, such as milk, juice, and breakfast cereals. Dietary supplements also help ensure adequate vitamin D intake.

Note:Excessive vitamin D supplementation should be avoided as it can lead to calcium salt accumulation in soft tissues such as the heart, kidneys, and lungs, causing disease. Dietary supplements of vitamin D can lead to toxicity. While excessive sun exposure doesn't cause vitamin D toxicity, it increases the risk of skin cancer; therefore, bare skin should not be exposed to strong sunlight.

According to VNE