Vitamin D: The “Sunshine” Vitamin

VITAMIN D is a fat-soluble vitamin known as the “sunshine” vitamin because the action of the sun’s ultraviolet rays converts a form of cholesterol present in the skin into vitamin D.

This bodily transaction also drives home the point that you NEED cholesterol.

Vitamin D, along with the minerals magnesium and boron, need to be present for the assimilation and utilization of calcium. In fact, vitamin D is so effective in helping the body assimilate calcium that it has been used by itself to dissolve joint and spinal calcium deposits. It can also be used with magnesium to dissolve kidney stones.

Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium from the intestinal tract and in the breakdown and assimilation of phosphorus, which is required for bone formation.

Vitamin D helps synthesize enzymes involved in the transport of calcium, which makes this vitamin particularly important for the normal growth of children. It also helps the body maintain a stable nervous system, normal heart action and normal blood clotting. All of these functions are related to the body’s supply and use of calcium and phosphorus.

Vitamin D is best utilized when used in conjunction with vitamin A.

For many years everyone was told to cover up when out in the sunshine. Now they tell you to spend some time in the sun or take a high dose of vitamin D because they realize the importance of this nutrient. Some physicians still say to some degree to protect your skin from over-exposure because of the possibility of developing skin cancers, which is great advice.