An Apple a Day
Dr Sarah Brewer gives us the lowdown on vitamin D
Vitamin D is the collective term for five different fat-soluble vitamins. The most important to human health is vitamin D3, which is made in the body when sunlight hits the skin. The form we make in the skin is inactive, and must undergo two further chemical changes in the body before it can act as a hormone. Although we can make some vitamin D, we do not make enough to meet all our needs.
WHY DO WE NEED VITAMIN D?
The main role of vitamin D is to enhance the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the intestines, to help maintain healthy bones and teeth. As well as protecting the body from bone disorders, such as rickets, osteomalacia (softening of the bones) and osteoporosis (brittle bones due to lack of calcium), vitamin D also helps to maintain muscle strength.
There’s also scientific evidence that vitamin D plays a key role in immunity and may help to reduce the risk of coughs and colds.