KNOW YOUR VITAMIN - VITAMIN D

Vitamin D, also known as ‘sunshine’ vitamin can be synthesized in the body with the help of sunlight from a precursor that the body makes from cholesterol. Vitamin D is a member of a large and cooperative bone-making and maintenance team composed of nutrients such as vitamins A, C and K, and other compounds. Its special role in bone growth is to make calcium and phosphorus available in the blood that bathes the bones. The bones grow denser and stronger as they absorb and deposit these minerals. Only a few foods supply good amounts of vitamin D especially those derived from animals - egg yolk, liver, fatty fish, butter and fortified milk. Season, geographic latitude, time of day, cloud cover, smog and sunscreen affect UV ray exposure and vitamin D synthesis in the skin. It is important for individuals to get a minimum of 15 minutes of sun exposure on clear days.