Understanding the Importance of Vitamin D

Source: Medindia

Vitamins and minerals play a crucial role in maintaining good health. Vitamin D is one of the most essential nutrients that our body needs to build strong bones, teeth and muscles. In addition, it helps the body absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus, which are necessary for healthy bones. The primary source of vitamin D is sunlight, also known as the 'sunshine' vitamin. However, the role of sunlight in fulfilling our daily vitamin D requirement can be unclear.

DOES SUNLIGHT THROUGH WINDOW GLASS PROVIDE VITAMIN D?
According to Luke Coutinho, a Holistic Nutritionist specializing in the field of Integrative and Lifestyle Medicine, sunlight does not actually "provide" vitamin D. The sun's ultraviolet rays trigger vitamin D synthesis in the skin, and the liver and kidneys convert it into biologically active forms that the body can use to promote bone health, immunity, hormonal health and much more. Coutinho emphasizes that one needs direct exposure to the skin to gain all the benefits of vitamin D. Early morning sun or sun that is not burning the skin is recommended for a minimum of 15 minutes to an hour to gain extraordinary benefits.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF VITAMIN D
Vitamin D helps control and manage the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body, which are necessary to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy, according to Britain's National Health Services (NHS). Vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone deformities such as rickets in children, and bone pain caused by a condition called osteomalacia in adults. Fatigue, bone pain, mood problems, hair loss, muscle weakness, loss of appetite and getting sick frequently are all symptoms of vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D is essential for good health and sunlight is the best source of this vital nutrient. Direct skin exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays triggers vitamin D synthesis, which is necessary for calcium absorption, bone health, immunity, hormonal health and much more. It is recommended to get sunlight exposure in the early morning or when the sun is not burning the skin for a minimum of 15 minutes to an hour to gain extraordinary benefits.