Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that plays a key role in calcium and phosphate metabolism.

Sources

• vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol): plants
• vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol): dairy products, can be synthesised by the skin from sunlight

Functions

• increases plasma calcium and plasma phosphate
• increases renal tubular reabsorption and gut absorption of calcium
• increases osteoclastic activity
• increases renal phosphate reabsorption

Consequences of vitamin D deficiency:

• rickets: seen in children
• osteomalacia: seen in adults