Vitamin D is responsible for calcium absorption and keeping the concentrations of serum calcium and phosphate at adequate levels, according to the of Health. Vitamin D also regulates neuromuscular and immune function, and reduces inflammation.
Sun exposure helps give your body a sufficient amount of vitamin D.
Benefits
According to WebMD, vitamin D is helpful for conditions that make your bones weak or hurt, low blood phosphate levels, psoriasis, low calcium levels in the blood, preventing bone loss and low calcium in kidney failure patients and rickets.
Sources
Vitamin D is available in few foods naturally. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements in the National Institutes of Health, most vitamin D in the American diet comes from fortified foods, such as milk. Most people's main resource of vitamin D is sun exposure, while some depend on dietary supplements.
Side Effects
Vitamin D supplements are probably safe, as long as you stay within the recommended amounts, according to WebMD. Fatigue, weakness, headache, sleepiness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth and a metallic taste are all side effects of taking too much vitamin D.
Risks
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have kidney disease, high blood calcium levels, atherosclerosis, sarcoidosis, histoplasmosis, hyperparathyroidism or lymphoma should all consult a physician before taking a vitamin D supplement, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Although excessive sun exposure will not cause toxic amounts of vitamin D, you should still limit sun exposure because ultraviolet radiation causes skin cancers.
Considerations
Since there are few foods rich in vitamin D, many people--and particularly people with special needs for vitamin D--may need to take a dietary supplement to avoid a vitamin D deficiency. Infants being breastfed, adults over 50, people with limited sun exposure, darker skin, problems absorbing fat and people who are obese or have had gastric bypass surgery are all at risk of being vitamin D deficient.
Tags: calcium levels, Institutes Health, National Institutes, National Institutes Health, Office Dietary