Vitamin D is one of the most important substances to an overall healthy body, but it is especially important when it comes to bone health. Vitamin D plays a unique role in maintaining healthy bones, and must be present to help prevent many serious health problems. This article will take a brief look at what Vitamin D actually is, and how it helps keep our bones healthy.

What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a water-soluble vitamin that is found in some foods naturally, but is fortified in many others. Additionally, Vitamin D is usually available through a multivitamin or Vitamin D supplements. The human body naturally synthesizes Vitamin D through exposure to UV light. Vitamin D comes in two different forms, Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3.

Vitamin D and Calcium
Now that we have a basic understanding of Vitamin D, we can look at how it helps keep our bones healthy. Vitamin D is a vital to helping keep bones strong and healthy. In order to understand how, it is important to realize the effect Calcium has on bone strength.

The bones in our bodies are made out of Calcium. In order for bones to grow they need continuous supplies of Calcium. As we grow older, our bones stop growing, and less Calcium is needed. However, problems arise from the depletion of the Calcium in the body. Low Calcium levels can lead to weak and brittle bones that are subject to fractures. Insufficient Calcium in the bones can lead to a condition called Osteoporosis, which is a disease that affects the elderly.

It’s clear that Calcium plays a role in bone health, but how does Vitamin D fit in? Vitamin D is vital to the regulation of Calcium absorption. Vitamin D is responsible for a significant portion of the Calcium absorbed in the body. Vitamin D must be present in adequate amounts to help the body adequately absorb Calcium. Without sufficient Vitamin D, the body is not able to absorb all of the Calcium that it needs. This leads to Calcium deficiency, and subsequently weakened or unhealthy bones.

Although Vitamin D does not necessarily have a direct impact on bone health, its interaction with Calcium and the human body plays a significant role. Without Vitamin D, our bodies would be highly susceptible to poor bone health and the many other issues that arise from a weak skeletal system. It is important to monitor Vitamin D levels to ensure that the body is acquiring enough of the substance to help promote and maintain healthy bones.