Vitamin D is a misnomer; it was incorrectly classified as a
vitamin. - are nutrients that are required in tiny amounts -
cannot be synthesised in sufficient quantities by our bodies -
must be obtained from our diet Vitamin D is synthesised by the
action of sunlight on the skin. We need sufficient amount of
sunlight exposure to synthesis our body's requirement of vitamin
D; this does not happen in Britain and many parts of the world.
Change in behaviours is contributing to vitamin D deficiency: -
less outdoor activities (the Facebook and computer gaming
generation) - make-up now contains UV blockers to prevent ageing
from sun damage - use of sun blockers to prevent sunburn -
covering-up for religious reasons - change in diet; we are
eating less fatty fish (main source of dietary vitamin D) -
farmed fish have lower vitamin D levels than wild fish Vitamin D
acts as a hormone in the body; with many effects on different
organ systems. We need relatively small amounts of vitamin D for
our bones (~400 units per day)