Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary role of Vitamin D in the body?
What is the primary role of Vitamin D in the body?
Which form of Vitamin D is produced by sun exposure in the skin?
Which form of Vitamin D is produced by sun exposure in the skin?
Which age group has the highest risk of Vitamin D deficiency?
Which age group has the highest risk of Vitamin D deficiency?
What percentage of Canadians are considered deficient in Vitamin D?
What percentage of Canadians are considered deficient in Vitamin D?
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Which food source contains the highest amount of Vitamin D?
Which food source contains the highest amount of Vitamin D?
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What is the primary circulating form of Vitamin D in the body?
What is the primary circulating form of Vitamin D in the body?
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What is the UL (upper limit) for Vitamin D intake for all age groups?
What is the UL (upper limit) for Vitamin D intake for all age groups?
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Which dietary sources contain small amounts of Vitamin D?
Which dietary sources contain small amounts of Vitamin D?
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What happens when dietary calcium intake is low?
What happens when dietary calcium intake is low?
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Which food products are often fortified with Vitamin D?
Which food products are often fortified with Vitamin D?
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Study Notes
Vitamin D Overview
- Vitamin D is a fat-soluble, steroid compound with two main forms: ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3)
- Ergocalciferol is present in dietary sources, while cholecalciferol is produced in the skin through sun exposure
Vitamin D Forms and Function
- The major circulating form of vitamin D is 25(OH)D (calcifediol)
- The active hormone form of vitamin D is 1,25(OH)2D (calcitriol), which is necessary for vitamin D to function in the body
Demographics and Recommendations
- The Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) for vitamin D is 400 IU (10 μg) for individuals aged 19-30 years old
- The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin D is 600 IU (15 μg) for individuals aged 19-30 years old
- The majority of Canadians have insufficient vitamin D intake, with 8% considered deficient
Vitamin D Deficiency and Toxicity
- 12.2% of individuals aged 19-30 are at risk of deficiency
- 2.5% are at risk of toxicity, with a Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) of 4,000 IU for all age groups
Food Sources
- Fatty fish and fish liver oils are the best dietary sources of vitamin D
- Small amounts of vitamin D are found in egg yolks, beef liver, and cheese
- Most dietary vitamin D comes from fortified foods, particularly dairy products
- Plant alternatives, such as soy, almond, or oat beverages, are often vitamin D-fortified
Roles and Functions
- Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium
- Other functions of vitamin D include regulating inflammation, cell growth, glucose metabolism, immune function, and gene-encoding
- Vitamin D stimulates intestinal absorption of calcium (and phosphate) through active transport in the duodenum
- The body always prioritizes dietary calcium to maintain plasma levels, breaking down bone to meet needs if dietary calcium intake is low
Effects of Deficiency
- Vitamin D deficiency (hypovitaminosis D) is characterized by low levels of 25(OH)D
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Description
Learn about the key points related to Vitamin D, a fat-soluble steroid compound with two main forms: ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). Understand the major circulating and active hormone forms of vitamin D, along with current dietary recommendations for individuals aged 19-30 years old.
