Vitamin D
Type: Vitamin
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that facilitates the absorption and utilisation of calcium and phosphorus. This is important to ensure strong bones and teeth, as well as to provide immunity support.
Being fat-soluble, Vitamin D can be stored in our body for future use. It can also be naturally produced when our skin is directly exposed to sunlight. However, due to a popularity of fair skin, Asians tend to have a higher risk of Vitamin D-deficiency as they always avoid sunlight. Therefore, it is important to ensure sufficient intake of Vitamin D through diet.
Common food sources include fatty fishes (e.g. mackerel, tuna and salmon), cheese, egg yolks and beef liver.
Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include painful bones, muscle weakness and loss of appetite.