Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a group of five different Vitamins: D1, D2, D3, D4 and D5. The most important are Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). In 1919 it became evident that children suffering from rickets were cured when exposed to ultraviolet light; later on, similar results were obtained with an intake of cod liver oil. Vitamin D’s structure was identified in 1930. Vitamin D3 is an essential element, especially when it comes to bone health: in fact, it stimulates intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate, and reduces renal excretion. In addition, without vitamin D the body would not be able to absorb more than 10% of the calcium provided by diet alone.