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Vitamin D can be found in many foods. Your body also can make it after spending time in the sun. This vitamin has several forms. The most common form is Calciferol. Once vitamin D is consumed by food or the sun, it undergoes a chemical process in the body. The liver and kidneys work to complete the process. One of the main reasons Vitamin D is so important is because it sends messages to the intestines. These messages tell the intestines to absorb calcium and phosphorus.

Vitamin D works in conjunction with calcium to develop strong bones. It also helps the immune system function properly and promotes growth. Most people get their recommended daily allowance of Vitamin D from drinking milk or consuming other dairy products. However, other dairy products including ice cream and cheese don’t contain near the amount of Vitamin D as milk.

Some people choose to simply get their Vitamin D intake from relaxing in the sun. While this is an excellent way of getting it, you need to be careful of the adverse health risks of too much time in the sun. These risks include skin cancer. Long term sun exposure can also deplete your body of other essential vitamins.

For those who either don’t like dairy or are lactose intolerant, Vitamin D supplements are a better alternative for them than basking in the sun. A Vitamin D deficiency can lead to sore bones, an enzyme deficiency, Crohn’s disease, Cystic Fibrosis, liver disease, or require surgery to repair damage to the small and large intestines. Lack of Vitamin D has also been linked to osteoporosis because this Vitamin works so closely with calcium to ensure healthy bones.

Research on lab animals indicates Vitamin D may help prevent some types of cancer. Further studies need to continue before a definite conclusion can be drawn. It is believed Vitamin D can reduce the effects of Alzheimer’s. This is because the disease often starts with hip pain due to a lack of proper vitamins. Consuming large quantities of caffeine will cause the body to have difficulty completing the chemical process of producing Vitamin D.

On the other extreme, too much Vitamin D consumption can lead to severe health problems. Symptoms of toxic levels of Vitamin D in your system include nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, constipation, weakness, and weight loss. Excess Vitamin D can raise the level of calcium in blood, leading to severe bouts of confusion and disorientation. Abnormal heart rhythms can also occur.

Adequate consumption of vitamin D is necessary to maintain an overall good level of health. It is important to consult a doctor before adding Vitamin D supplements to your diet. As too little Vitamin D can be hard on your body, having too much Vitamin D can lead to very serious health issues for your body.