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Thursday, July 10, 2008

Vital vitamin D (the role of diet in growing healthy bones-part 3)

Our body does not absorb calcium easily and this is why vitamins D is considered a vital vitamin in growing healthy bones. Also known as calciferous, Vitamin D helps optimize the absorption of calcium and maintain normal blood level of calcium in the body. This vital vitamin therefore helps to promote the normal development and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth.

Our body can synthesize vitamin D in the skin through exposure to ultraviolet ray from the sun. Vitamin D is also found in some food such as fish oils, egg yolks and other fortified foods.

Our modern lifestyle plays a part in affecting our body's natural production of vitamin D. Many people make conscious afford to avoid the sun by stying indoors, using umbrellas, wearing log-sleeved attire, and applying sun block. Such sun-avoiding tactics hamper with our body's exposure to the sun and conversion of vitamin D. Those in occupations with minimal exposure to sunlight and women who cover their bodies for religions reasons are also at risk of vitamin D deficiency.

The ability of skin to convert vitamin D to its active form also decreases as we age. This is because the kidneys, which help with this conversation, do not work as well with age.

A calcium formula with additional vitamin D, is therefore a convenient dietary supplement for most people.

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