Vitamin D

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Categories: Vitamin

Type: Compound
Vitamin: D
Name: Antirachitic Factor, Ergocalciferol, Cholecalciferol
RDA: 400 IU
Importance- to Body:
Functionally a hormone; increases calcium blood levels by enhancing absorption of calcium; in conjunction with PTH, mobilizes calcium from bones; both mechanisms serve calcium homeostasis of blood (essential for normal neuromuscular function, blood clotting, bone and took formation).
Distribution- in Body:
Group of chemically distinct sterols; concentrated in liver and to lesser extent in skin, kidneys, spleen, other tissues; stable to heat, light, acids, alkalis, oxidation.
Excess Effects:
1800 IU/day may be toxic to children, massive doses induce toxicity in adults; symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Weight Loss, Calcification of Soft Tissues, Renal Damage
Deficiency Effects:
Faulty mineralization of Bones and Teeth, Rickets in children, Osteomalacia in adults; Poor Muscle Tone, Restlessness, Irritability
Food Sources:
Fish Liver Oils, Eggs Yolk, Fortified Milk.
Environmental/Geographic Sources:
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is chief form in body cells; produced in skin by irradiation of 7- dehydrocholesterol by UV light; active form (1,25- dihydroxyvitamin D3) produced by chemical modification of vitamin D3 in liver, then kidneys.
Supplemental information:

Synonyms:
Antirachitic Factor,Ergocalciferol, Cholecalciferol
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