In the world of vitamins and minerals, Vitamin D is often a neglected name. This piece of information is aimed at creating clear and complete understanding about this vitamin form.

Vitamin D belongs to the group of fat-soluble prohormones and is needed by the human body to perform routine functions of the life and maintaining several organ systems. In humans, Vitamin D is also useful to promote absorption of calcium along with keeping a close check on the quantities of serum calcium and phosphate so that normal mineralization of bone is maintained at all possible times.

In addition to all these benefits, this form of vitamin is also effective to guard the body against severe health complications such as high blood pressure, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease to name a few.

Vitamin D Sources:

The body gets natural supply of Vitamin D by coming in exposure with sunlight. Some of the popular Vitamin D sources are beef liver, cheese, egg yolks, fortified food products, orange juice, yogurt, and margarine.

High-risk groups for Vitamin D deficiency

It is highly important to note that some individuals are at more risk of developing Vitamin D deficiency than others. These high-risk groups are elderly people, breastfed infants, people with dark skin, and people with limited sun exposure.

Recommended Intake

The recommended intake of Vitamin D, in an unnatural form (pills etc.) is 5 micrograms for males, female, pregnant/lactating women under the age of 50 years and 10 micrograms daily and 15 micrograms daily for people in the age group of 50-70 years and more than 70 years, respectively.