With the help of sunlight, vitamin D is synthesized by the body from a precursor derived from cholesterol. Vitamin D is therefore not an essential micronutrient, given the right season and enough time in the sun. The active from of vitamin D is actually a hormone that targets organs most notably the intestines, kidneys, and bones. In the intestine, vitamin D is involved in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. In the bone, it assists in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, helping bones grow denser and stronger as they absorb and deposit these minerals.

Vitamin D source

Animal products: Oily fish |Egg yolk | Beef products

Effects Of Vitamin D During Pregnancy

Supplementing pregnant women with vitamin D alone probably reduces the risk of pre eclampsia, gestational diabetes, low birthweight and may reduce the risk of severe postpartum haemorrhage. It may make little or no difference in the risk of having a preterm birth < 37 weeks’ gestationtaking 4,000 IU of vitamin D daily had the greatest benefits in preventing preterm labor/births and infections.

Benefits of vitamin D

Vitamin D helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body.These nutrients are needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy.A lack of vitamin D can lead to bone deformities such as rickets in children, and bone pain caused by a condition called osteomalacia in adults.