A Fat-Soluble Vitamin, Research Paper Example

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that can be either synthesized through the skin from sunlight exposure or ingested in some foods (“Micronutrient”). It is also added in certain foods, and it can also be taken as a supplement in pill form (“Vitamin D”). Vitamin D is then metabolized in both the liver and the kidney, in two separate phases. The first phase “occurs in the liver and converts vitamin D to 25-hydroxyvitamin D, also known as calcidiol” . The second phase occurs in the kidney and “forms the physiologically active 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D,” which is known as calcitriol (“Vitamin D”).

Vitamin D maintains bone structure and is necessary for bone development in children. Thus, Vitamin D deficiency can cause major health issues for both children and adults, which include rickets and osteomalacia (“Micronutrient”). It is important for children and adults to make certain that they are receiving enough vitamin D, whether through exposure to the right amount of sunlight, ingesting the right types of foods, or taking dietary supplements in order to stay healthy.

Studies have found that vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteoporosis and specific types of cancer, such as colorectal and breast cancers (“Micronutrient”). Studies have also “reported an association between vitamin D status and the susceptibility or severity of autoimmune diseases” (“Micronutrient”). Vitamin D is important for proper immune system regulation, and “has a variety of effects on immune system function, which may enhance innate immunity” (“Micronutrient”).

Vitamin D is essential to maintain vitality and health throughout all stages of life, and a deficiency of vitamin D can be extremely detrimental to children and adults. The consequences of not maintaining proper vitamin D levels are critical, and can lead to bone deterioration and osteoporosis, cancers, autoimmune disorders, general pain and weakness, as well as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases (“Micronutrient”).

Works Cited

“Micronutrient Information Center.” Vitamin D. 2014. Web. 10 Oct. 2015. <http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-D>.

“Vitamin D.” Health Professional Fact Sheet. 10 Nov. 2014. Web. 10 Oct. 2015. <https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/>.