The Ortho Molecular Answer

Vitamin D

Vitamin D

 

  • It is considered both a vitamin and a hormone because our bodies can produce it by the action of sunlight on the skin.

 

  • D2 is most often added to milk and other foods and often used in supplements.

 

  • Good natural sources include cod liver oil, cold water fish, butter and egg yolks.

 

  • Vegetables are low in vit D the best sources are dark green leafy veg.

 

Deficiency signs

 

  • Results in rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Rickets is an inability to calcify the bone matrix resulting in softening of the skill bones, bowing of legs, spinal curvature and increased joint size.  The disease is extremely rare.

 

  • Deficiency most often seen in elderly eople who do not get any sunlight.  Results in lack of bone strength and density, and joint pain.

 

Beneficial Effects

 

  • Best known for ability to stimulate absorption of calcium.

 

  • Also exerts anticancer properties especially against breast and colon cancer.