Why vitamin D is crucial
Why vitamin D is crucial
Vitamin D has many different functions in the body, but the principal one is to increase the intestinal absorption of calcium. Cholecalciferol (or vitamin D3, the form of vitamin D made by human skin) also helps to prevent bone resorption by counteracting the effects of parathyroid hormone.
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Parathyroid glands
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Low levels of calcium stimulates release of parathyroid hormone from the parathyroid glands
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This results in hydroxylation of vitamin D in the kidneys
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Hydroxylated vitamin D increases calcium absorption from the intestines
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Hydroxylated vitamin D increases calcium reabsorption from the bones
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Increased calcium blood levels cause thyroid gland to release calcitonin, which reduces uptake in the kidneys and increases deposition in bones