What Is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D exists in two forms, vitamin D2, and vitamin D3. It is fat-soluble. It means that the body does not need it every day. We have the potential to store it in the body.
Despite its name, vitamin D is not a vitamin. It is a hormone that is synthesized by sunlight.
The body makes vitamin D when the skin is exposed directly to the sun. Vitamin D is vital for our overall health.
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Vitamin D2 And Vitamin D3
Vitamin D exists in two forms. Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3. (source π)
There are a few differences between the two D vitamins. Vitamin D2 is obtained from the UV irradiation of the yeast sterol ergosterol and is also found naturally in sun-exposed mushrooms. Vitamin D3 is called the more natural form of vitamin D because the body can synthesize vitamin D3 from exposure when UVB light from the sun strikes the skin. (source π)
Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency affects almost 50% of the population worldwide. It is a growing problem. (source π)
Current studies suggest that we may need more vitamin D than presently recommended to prevent chronic disease. (source π)
The benefits of getting enough vitamin D are vital for maintaining health. You can find all the benefits of vitamin D in Vitamin D (D2 + D3): 12 Research-Backed Benefits .
How To Get Vitamin D
The major source of vitamin D for children and adults is exposure to natural sunlight. (source π)
In foods, vitamin D3 is only found in animal-sourced foods, and vitamin D2 is found in plant sources and fortified foods. (source π)
To get sufficient vitamin D from natural food sources alone is difficult. It means that consumption of vitamin D-fortified foods and exposure to some sunlight are essential for maintaining a healthy vitamin D status. (source π)
If you are interested in a list of ranked foods where you can find this nutrient. Go to our nutrition tool and check out vitamin D.
Both vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 are synthesized commercially and found in dietary supplements or fortified foods. (source π)