Vitamins are required in minute quantities in the body, but they play a big role in keeping it healthy and active. These are organic compounds are essential in regulating the functions of the body. Sudden dry skin, patched lips, dry nails and hair are just a way of the body to signal the deficiency of these essential nutrients. Once this happens, the body becomes prone to diseases due to decreased immunity. There are various vitamins, each assigned a purpose and their deficiencies can result in various disorders. Among all the vitamins, one of the most vital is vitamin D. This is a fat soluble vitamin which is available in two types, vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol ) is sourced from plants while vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is produced within the body when it is exposed to sun rays and certain food products.

Vitamin D is stored in various parts of the body such as kidneys, liver, bones and some of it is stored in the intestine where it aids calcium absorption from digested food.

Benefits

In various cultures, there is a tradition to massage babies in oil and exposing them to sunlight for a few minutes. This is done in order to ensure that the body can manufacture vitamin D in presence of sunlight. It has been followed for centuries proving the fact that people were aware of the benefits of vitamin D for centuries. Some of the most common benefits of vitamin D are:

• Healthy bones in children- As children grow they need all the vital nutrients for healthy bones and teeth. The major function of Vitamin D is to ensure that an optimum level of calcium and phosphorous is maintained in the blood. Calcium helps to strengthen the bones   while phosphorous is the main mineral responsible for strong bones and teeth besides ensuring that muscles and nerves remain healthy.
• Prevents osteoporosis- Vitamin D also helps in absorption of calcium in the bones which helps in the prevention of osteoporosis. Studies have shown that people who include vitamin D in their daily diet are less likely to suffer from joint pains.
• Arthritis- Regular intake of vitamin D also slows down the affects of arthritis and ameliorates back pain in many people.
• Cancer- Recent studies have revealed that vitamin D can also prevent certain types of cancer from occuring.
• Skin- Vitamin D helps to cure skin diseases such as psoriasis which is a non-inflammatory disease characterized by red patches and scales which are found on the scalp, ears and genitals.
• Strength- Vitamin D also helps to keep the bones strong and hence reduces the chances of fractures.
• Anti-carcinogenic- Vitamin D is a powerful antioxidant and can help to treat depression, breast cancer, prostrate cancer, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.
• Underlying disorders- Vitamin D also helps to treat underlying disorders such as diabetes and obesity and helps to prevent multiple sclerosis.

To keep the body healthy and the immune system active, it is important to have a balanced intake of vitamin D in the body.

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