Vitamin D is one of the fat-soluble vitamins. Known for its effects on bone health and calcium absorption, vitamin D is a vitamin that has played a very important role outside the skeletal system and is on the agenda with its effects on the immune system. So what is vitamin D? Why is it important for our health? What causes vitamin D deficiency? Which foods contain vitamin D? Let's see together.
What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D plays a role in the absorption of calcium along with phosphorus and its storage in the bones. It also controls the level of calcium and indirectly phosphorus in the blood. In other words, it is a very effective vitamin in the metabolism of calcium, which is the building block of our bones, and phosphorus, which is the active element of brain functions.
What causes Vitamin D deficiency?
- Vitamin D deficiency is particularly harmful to bone and dental health. Not being able to lose weight, allergic diseases, depression, etc. lays the groundwork for all this.
- Rickets, that is, insufficient development of bones in children, and osteoporosis, that is, osteoporosis in adults, are the two most common and most serious problems.
- Strengthening bones and keeping blood levels of vitamin D within normal ranges can reduce fall-related bone fractures by 20-30 percent, especially in the elderly.
- Increases the likelihood of developing diabetes in adults.
- Cardiovascular diseases are also associated with vitamin D deficiency. In addition, cerebrovascular diseases, especially strokes, are also associated with vitamin D deficiency.
- It also affects the memory function of the brain.
- It causes depression.
- It weakens the immune system and makes it vulnerable.
- There is also a relationship between vitamin D and the development of cancer. Most patients suffering from colon, prostate, and breast cancers have low levels of vitamin D.
Note: Vitamin D may not provide the benefits we expect without vitamin K. Vitamins D and K are both necessary to maintain our health. We have to achieve both regularly and consistently.
Which foods have Vitamin D?
- Oily fish such as salmon, sardines, herring, swordfish, tuna, and mackerel
- Beef liver
- Egg yolk
- Shrimp
- Chicken
- Red meat
- Fungi exposed to the sun in nature
- Apple
- Grape
- Watermelon
- Banana
- Orange
- Cashew
- Hazelnut
- Almond
- Walnut
- Broccoli
- Carrot
- Capia pepper
- Lentil
- Whole grain bread