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Everyone has heard that vitamin D is the sunshine vitamin. Did you know that vitamin D is actual made up of two inactive precursors. Vitamin D3, which is also known as Cholecalciferol . This is produced in the skin from exposure to ultraviolet light. Vitamin D2 also known as ErogCalciferol Is obtained from plants in the human diet. So what is the big deal?
Vitamin D3 is the major circulating form in the human body. This is the form measured by physicians to evaluate vitamin D status. This form, however, gets activated to 1,25 Dihydroxyvitamin D before the body can use it for calcium absorption and mobilization.

Vitamin D deficiency has been recognized for over 150 years. One of the first diseases that was recognized was Rickets. This happened in children who got little to no sun exposure. Vitamin D has been used to treat not only Rickets, but also Psoriasis and Rennin which helps to control blood pressure through the kidney. Researchers are also establishing the pathway for vitamin D in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis and Fibromyalgia. Since the 1940’s, researchers have observed that children in more northern climates had higher rate of NonHodgkin lymphoma. They have concluded that children who sun and who do sunbathing before age 20 have reduced the risk of NonHodkins Lymphoma.

In conclusion, vitamin D is essential for good health. However, exposure to sun can lead to skin cancer too. It is a fine balance that needs to be taken. Moderation is the term we need to use. If you have skin sensitivities and cannot get your vitamin D in its natural form you can use supplementation. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) recommends 400IU every day. They are discussing raising this to 800 IU in the very near future.