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You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diet and Nutrition > Vitamin D: Functions and Sources
      Category : Health Centers > Food, Nutrition, and Metabolism

Vitamin D

Alternate Names : Cholecalciferol

Vitamin D | Functions and Sources | Attribution


What food source is the nutrient found in?

The most reliable source of vitamin D, in the US diet, is fortified milk. All milk sold in the United States is fortified with vitamin D. Vitamin D is also present in:

  • cheese
  • butter
  • margarine
  • cream
  • some soy milks
  • eggs
  • liver
  • fish such as sardines and salmon
  • cod liver oil
  • fortified cereals
  • Vitamin D is called the sunshine vitamin. This is because the body can make vitamin D after sunlight, or ultraviolet light, hits the skin. Ten to 15 minutes of sun exposure 3 times a week is all the body needs. Older people are less efficient with this conversion.

    How does the nutrient affect the body?

    Vitamin D helps build strong and healthy bones and teeth. It does this by helping the body to absorb the minerals calcium and phosphorous and to deposit them in bones and teeth.


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    Vitamin D: Overview & Description

     

    Vitamin D: Attribution

    Author: Clare Armstrong, MS, RD
    Reviewer: Kathleen A. MacNaughton, RN, BSN
    Date Reviewed: 09/30/02









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    Page Last Updated: 30th May, 2006