Cholecalciferol is the most widely known of the vitamin D series and is a fat soluble vitamin that is stored to some degree in the body. Many people know that sunlight is a source of vitamin D, but this is true only in the fact that ultraviolet light from the sun acts as a catalyst on a vitamin D precursor in the skin. Vitamin D formed in this manner is termed "natural vitamin D" or vitamin D3. Vitamin D precursors obtained from milk and other products as well as sunlight-produced vitamin D must be metabolized in the liver to form the active coenzyme. The primary functions of vitamin D are stimulation of calcium and magnesium absorption, two minerals that are essential for strong bones. Sources of vitamin D include fish liver oil, butter, and milk.
Recommended Dietary Allowances: Men = 400 IU (5 mcg); Women = 200 IU (5 mcg); Pregnant Women, Children, Adolescents = 400 IU (10 mcg)
IMPORTANCE:
- Improves absorption and utilization of Calcium and Phosphorous required for bone and teeth formation
- maintains a stable nervous system and normal heart action.
- rickets
- tooth decay
- softening of bones
- improper healing of fractures
- lack of vigor
- muscular weakness
- inadequate absorption of calcium
- retention of phosphorous in the kidneys
- osteomalacia
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Vitamins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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(Retinol) |
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(Vitamin A precursor) |
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Vitamine
B complex
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(Ascorbic Acid) |
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(Cholecalciferol) |
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Vitamin E | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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(alpha-Tocopherol) |
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(Vitamin B-7) (Biotin) |
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(Menadione) |
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(Anthranilic Acid) |
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(Myo-Inositol) |
