Vitamin D is technically classified as a hormone — a chemical made by the body — rather than a standard vitamin. Unlike other vitamins, the vitamin D hormone can be created by the body instead of being absorbed through the consumption of foods. The body is able to make vitamin D through exposure to sunlight. It is then sent to the liver and converted to a hormone that primarily helps with bone strength. People who are unable to have regular access to sunlight and are at risk for vitamin D deficiency can take supplements as a substitution but are generally unable to get enough from their diet.
More about vitamin D:
- Although vitamin D can be added to foods, such as fortified juice or dairy products, about 90% of the body’s vitamin D comes from sunlight.
- Six days in a row of sunlight exposure is thought to be able to make up for approximately 49 days without it, in terms of vitamin D absorption.
- Elderly people who take vitamin D supplements might decrease their risk of falling and breaking bones by 22%, compared with those who don’t.