Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that contributes to the normal function of the immune system and blood calcium levels which in turn supports the maintenance of normal bones and teeth. As fear of sun-exposure has grown and lifestyles have become more sedentary, exposure to the sun has dropped dramatically and vitamin D deficiency and the incidence of rickets has surged.
There are two major forms of Vitamin D - vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol - plant derived) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol - animal derived). Both forms have been shown to be equally efficacious. Since our bodies can produce vitamin D by the action of sunlight on the skin, it is often referred to as the 'sunshine vitamin'.
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that contributes to the normal function of the immune system and blood calcium levels which in turn supports the maintenance of normal bones and teeth. As fear of sun exposure has grown and lifestyles have become more sedentary, exposure to the sun has dropped dramatically and vitamin D deficiency and the incidence of rickets has surged.
There are two major forms of Vitamin D - vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol - plant-derived) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol - animal derived). Both forms have been shown to be equally efficacious. Since our bodies can produce vitamin D by the action of sunlight on the skin, it is often referred to as the 'sunshine vitamin'.
