Does Vitamin D Enhance Calcium Absorption, Dietitian Shares Details

Calcium and Vitamin D are essential for properly developing teeth, bones, and muscles. While calcium is a mineral, Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin and both are required to keep our immune system in prime condition. But can you have vitamin D and calcium together? Turnsout, thatVitamin D actually can increase the amount of calcium absorption. Diksha Dayal, HOD and senior dietitian, department of nutrition and health at SHALBY Sanar International Hospitals, Gurugram, shares details.

How Does Vitamin D Enhance Calcium Absorption?

Vitamin D and calcium together help build your bones and also protect older adults from osteoporosis. Their combined effect leads to better "muscle movement, nerve cell communication, absorption of calcium and phosphorous, immune system responses, hormone secretion, and blood vessel flow," says Ms. Dayal.

She adds, "The major purpose of Vitamin D is to increase calcium absorption from the intestines. When its levels are low, your body can't absorb calcium as well."

The dietitian explains, "Vitamin D helps regulate calcium metabolism through a feedback loop with parathyroid hormone (PTH). When calcium levels are low, the parathyroid gland releases the parathyroid hormone, which converts Vitamin D into calcitriol. Calcitriol further helps the body absorb more calcium from the intestines."

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So when there's a deficit in the levels of Vitamin D or calcium, "the parathyroid glands compensate by overproducing hormones leading to a condition called hyperparathyroidism." 

Hyperparathyroidism, in which the parathyroid glands in your neck produce excessive PTH or parathyroid hormone, can weaken your bones, increasing the risk of fractures, as per Ms. Dayal.

Sources of Vitamin D, Complications, And Other Details

While Vitamin D is available in capsules and other supplements, there are multiple sources at your home only, suggests Ms. Dayal. Some of them are:

• Leafy greens
• Fortified dairy products
• Seeds
• Nuts
• Canned salmon with bones
• Egg yolks
• Plenty of sun exposure

Meanwhile, complications arising from calcium and Vitamin D deficiencies include:

• Rickets (in children)
• Joint deformities
• Bone pain
• Muscle weakness in children and the elderly population

 And, medications that cause vitamin D deficiency are:

• Anti-seizure medications
• Glucocorticoids
• AIDS medications
• Anti-fungal medications

"In conclusion, Vitamin D significantly enhances calcium absorption, playing a vital role in maintaining strong bones and overall health. Adequate Vitamin D levels are essential for optimal calcium absorption and deficiencies can lead to bone-related disorders," says Ms. Dayal.

"Ensuring sufficient Vitamin D through sun exposure, diet, or supplements is crucial for maintaining strong bones and overall well-being," she wraps up.

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