Vitamin D cholecalciferol-D3, alfacalcidol) is a fat-soluble
vitamin that helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus. Having the
right amount of vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus is important for
building and keeping strong bones. Vitamin D is used to treat and
prevent bone disorders (such as rickets). Vitamin D is made by the body
when skin is exposed to sunlight. sunscreen , protective clothing,
limited exposure to sunlight, dark skin and age may prevent getting
enough vitamin D from the sun.
Vitamin
D with calcium is used to treat or prevent bone loss (osteoporosis ).
Vitamin D is also used with other medications to treat low levels of
calcium. It may be used in kidney disease to keep calcium levels normal
and allow normal bone growth. Vitamin D drops (or other supplements )
are given to breast-fed infants because breast milk usually has low
levels of vitamin D.
Vitamin
D is sometimes called the “sunshine vitamin” because it’s produced in
your skin in response to sunlight. It’s a fat soluble in a family of
compounds that includes vitamins D-1, D-2, and D-3.
Your
body produces vitamin D naturally when it’s directly exposed to
sunlight. You can also get it through certain foods and supplements to
ensure adequate levels of the vitamin in your blood.