What Is Vitamin D Synthesis? How UV Light Helps Your Body Make Vitamin D
Are you getting enough vitamin D? If not, your body may be setting the stage for serious health issues later on. Vitamin D, often called “the sunshine vitamin,” is easy enough to come by: step outside, let the sun hit your skin, and allow your body to take care of the rest. But what if your corner of the world gets little (or no) daylight during certain parts of the year? Or what if — like the writer of this post — you rarely venture outside? We’re here to talk about vitamin D, how your body produces it naturally from sunlight and how to make sure you’re getting enough. Here’s a breakdown: What is vitamin D? Why is vitamin D important? What is vitamin D synthesis? How can you make sure you’re getting enough vitamin D? What Is Vitamin D? Vitamin D, or calciferol, is a fat-soluble nutrient your body uses to support bone health, muscle function and several organ systems. You can get it from natural and fortified foods and dietary supplements. But your primary source of vitamin D isn’t your plate; it’s your skin. When ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from sunlight hit your skin, your body gets to work synthesizing vitamin D. Why Vitamin D Matters, Especially for Bone Health Vitamin D behaves less like a typical vitamin and more like a hormone, influencing many of the body’s internal processes. It supports the immune, cardiovascular and endocrine systems, and low vitamin D has been linked to: Certain cancers Chronic pain Low mood Muscle weakness Vitamin D is best known for helping your gut absorb calcium and phosphorus, the key minerals your body uses to build and maintain strong bones. Without enough vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle and misshapen over time
