Vitamin D

Definition

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is crucial for calcium absorption and bone health. It can be obtained from sunlight exposure, food sources, or supplements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Vitamin D enhances the intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphorus.
2. Deficiency in Vitamin D can lead to conditions like rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.
3. Vitamin D is converted to its active form, calcitriol, in the kidneys.
4. Over-supplementation of Vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia, leading to nausea, weakness, and kidney damage.
5. Vitamin D works synergistically with parathyroid hormone (PTH) to regulate calcium levels in the blood.

Review Questions

• What role does Vitamin D play in calcium absorption?
• What are the potential consequences of Vitamin D deficiency?
• How is Vitamin D converted to its active form?

Related terms

Calcitriol:

The active form of vitamin D produced in the kidneys.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH): A hormone that regulates calcium levels along with vitamin D.

Hypercalcemia:

A condition characterized by elevated calcium levels in the blood, which can result from excessive vitamin D intake.