Vitamin D is one of the fat-soluble vitamins essential for the body’s health. The primary source of vitamin D is sunlight, while other sources include foods such as certain types of mushrooms, fish, eggs, and fish oil. So, what are the benefits of vitamin D for our body?

Maintaining Bone Health
Optimal levels of vitamin D in the body help with calcium and phosphate absorption, thereby reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

Boosting the Immune System
Vitamin D can regulate the immune system to function more effectively, strengthening the body’s immunity.

Reducing the Risk of Infectious Diseases
Vitamin D can enhance the innate immune system, helping it combat various infections, particularly tuberculosis, influenza, and upper respiratory infections caused by viruses.

Lowering the Risk of Diabetes and Heart Disease
Adequate levels of vitamin D help improve insulin function and prevent atherosclerosis in blood vessels, making it beneficial for preventing diabetes and heart disease.

Preventing Cancer
Vitamin D’s anticarcinogenic effects can help prevent the formation of cancer cells.

Unfortunately, vitamin D deficiency remains high in Indonesia and globally. Therefore, efforts are needed to meet our daily vitamin D requirements, such as consuming foods rich in vitamin D, sun exposure for 5-15 minutes per day, and taking vitamin D supplements as recommended. Don’t hesitate to consult a doctor regarding vitamin D!

Author: Dr. Annisa Meitriasari (Medical Doctor at PRAMITA Lab Semarang)

Sumber: 

1. Sources of vitamin D for Humans https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34658250/ 

2. Vitamin D for Bones https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3257679/

3. Vitamin D for Infection https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3756814/ 

4. Vitamin D for Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22265795/#:~:text=In%20addition%2C%20vitamin%20D%20deficiency,dyslipidaemia%2C%20endothelial%20dysfunction%20and%20hypertension 

5. Vitamin D for Cancer Prevention https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA585057.pdf