VITAMIN D (Cholecalciferol)

• Vitamin D was termed as “D” because it was the fourth vitamin
  known. Chief source of vitamin D is endogenous vitamin D
  synthesis in the skin.
  • Approximately 80-90% of vitamin D is derived from sunlight,
  whereas only minor amounts of vitamin D is from dietary
  sources.
  • Vitamin D is not an actual vitamin but a secosteroid hormone
  produced in the skin from 7-dehydrocholesterol after exposure
  to sunlight UVB radiation.
  • Identification of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in almost all
  human cells, suggests a role in extra skeletal diseases

AVERAGE DAILY RECOMMENDED AMOUNT OF VITAMIN D
Life Stage Avg. daily recommended amount
(IU)
Birth –13 years 400
Teens 14 –70 years 600
Adults
71years & older 800
Pregnant & breastfeeding women 800

LEVELS OF VITAMIN D & STATUS
Levels of Vitamin-D Status
<20 ng/mL Deficient
20–29 ng/ml Insufficient
30–50 ng/mL Optimal Range

conversion formula : 1ng/ml = 2.496 nmol/l