Vitamin D is critical in the development and maintenance of bones, cartilage, and teeth in children and adults. Vitamin D helps maintain the strength and rigidity of bones and teeth by increasing the process of absorption of elements like calcium and phosphorus from the small intestine.
As the actual source of vitamin D is sunlight, it might seem easy to obtain a sufficient amount of it. However, many people suffer from vitamin D deficiency which has severe consequences. Rickets and Osteomalacia belong to the same family of bone weakening diseases that are caused due to vitamin D deficiency. Osteoporosis is another disease that is prevented by vitamin D intake.
Vitamin D helps prevent other disease like type 1 diabetes, cancer, and various muscle and bone pains. One interesting aspect is that vitamin D helps defend the body against microbial invasion. It has also been recently discovered that vitamin D helps in the differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis of cells.
Recent discoveries suggest that vitamin D plays a crucial role in the prevention of cancer. The types of cancers that vitamin D helps prevent include; bladder, breast, prostate, colon, rectal, and ovarian cancer. Vitamin D prevents various cellular mechanisms that are pivotal in the development of cancer. Vitamin D also helps prevent cardiovascular disease. Low levels of vitamin D may elevate your risk of peripheral artery diseases.
Vitamin D may also prevent congestive heart failure, stroke, and high blood pressure. Vitamin D helps in the regulation of insulin activity and balances blood sugar levels. Vitamin D helps support cognitive functions, especially in older people. Older people also benefit from vitamin D for mood stabilization.
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