{"id":3058,"date":"2025-07-07T14:43:02","date_gmt":"2025-07-07T12:43:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new.coloursoflife.it\/wp\/what-is-vitamin-d-and-why-is-it-so-important\/"},"modified":"2025-12-12T14:49:45","modified_gmt":"2025-12-12T13:49:45","slug":"what-is-vitamin-d-and-why-is-it-so-important","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/coloursoflife.it\/en\/what-is-vitamin-d-and-why-is-it-so-important\/","title":{"rendered":"What is vitamin D and why is it so important?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Vitamin D in the body is a fat-soluble vitamin, although it can actually be considered a hormone involved in various functions in the body.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Vitamin D and sun<\/span><\/h2>\n

The human body synthesises vitamin D largely through exposure to sunlight, and to a lesser extent can obtain it from food (around 10% of requirements). In cases of deficiency, it can receive it from quality food supplements. In fact, the body produces about 90% of the vitamin D it needs. This happens, however, when the skin receives enough direct sunlight. Most people’s lifestyles are not conducive to vitamin D synthesis, which is why vitamin D deficiency is so common. If you don’t regularly expose yourself to sunlight or if you are often covered by clothing, you may need a quality vitamin D supplement.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Foods that provide vitamin D<\/span><\/h2>\n

In order to ensure a proper intake of this important vitamin, it may be useful, in addition to exposing the skin to the sun, to eat certain foods: fish oils (cod liver oil, in particular), fish (herring, mackerel, salmon, swordfish, tuna…), egg yolk, milk, butter.<\/span><\/p>\n

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What vitamin D does to our bodies<\/span><\/h2>\n

Vitamin D is important for a large number of functions in the body, from supporting strong, healthy bones by absorbing calcium (see also: ‘How to protect bones and teeth with vitamin D3’), to maintaining the immune system. Although studies are still in progress, vitamin D appears to play an important role in the health of the cardiovascular system, the respiratory tract and the skin. A number of autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, type I diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, appear to be associated with vitamin D deficiency. (see study ‘Vitamin D: emerging roles in infection and immunity’ at the end of this article).<\/span><\/p>\n

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What happens when there is a vitamin D deficiency<\/span><\/h2>\n

Although still at the stage of study and research and of defining certain parameters, vitamin D deficiency is recognised as a global health problem. It can lead to autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, infectious and cardiovascular diseases, tumours and neurological disorders. This is why it is important to check its presence in the body with the appropriate blood tests agreed with your doctor and, if necessary, to supplement it.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Vitamin D2 or D3<\/span><\/h2>\n

Vitamin D2, ergocalciferol, and D3, cholecalciferol, are the two main forms of vitamin D. During the first studies of this vitamin, vitamin D2 supplements were produced. More recent studies have found vitamin D3 to be two to three times more effective in increasing blood levels of 25(OH)D than the equivalent dose of vitamin D2.  <\/span><\/p>\n

The benefits of taking vitamin D3<\/span><\/h2>\n

A proper intake of vitamin D helps protect bone health, support the immune and cardiovascular systems, and helps the body form and maintain cells. It also helps maintain proper calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood. Taking a quality vitamin D3 supplement is a sensible way to provide the necessary intake of this vitamin in cases of deficiency. With just one tablet a day, it is possible to ensure the supply of an adult’s average daily requirement (NRV). As always, it is advisable to consult your doctor when taking this supplement as there are conditions such as smoking, the presence of diseases (including obesity), taking medication and certain incorrect lifestyles that may limit its absorption.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Sources and insights<\/span><\/p>\n