Vitamin D Decreases Calcium Reabsorption By The Kidneys
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in bone health. It helps the body absorb calcium, which is necessary for strong bones and teeth. However, recent studies have shown that vitamin D also affects the way the kidneys handle calcium.
What is Calcium Reabsorption?
Calcium reabsorption is the process by which the kidneys take back calcium that has been filtered out of the blood and into the urine. The kidneys are responsible for maintaining the balance of calcium in the body by reabsorbing just the right amount.
How Does Vitamin D Affect Calcium Reabsorption?
When vitamin D is present in the body, it stimulates the production of a hormone called calcitriol. Calcitriol helps the intestines absorb calcium from food, which increases the amount of calcium in the blood. This increased calcium level signals the kidneys to reabsorb less calcium, which prevents excess calcium from being excreted in the urine.
What Happens When There is a Vitamin D Deficiency?
When there is a vitamin D deficiency, the body cannot produce enough calcitriol. As a result, the intestines absorb less calcium from food, and the level of calcium in the blood decreases. This signals the kidneys to reabsorb more calcium, which can lead to excess calcium in the urine.
Why is Excess Calcium in the Urine Bad?
Excess calcium in the urine can lead to the formation of kidney stones. Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in the kidneys and can cause severe pain and discomfort. In addition, excess calcium in the urine can also lead to other health problems, such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.
How Much Vitamin D Do You Need?
The recommended daily intake of vitamin D varies depending on age and gender. The National Institutes of Health recommends the following daily intakes:
- Infants 0-12 months: 400-1000 IU
- Children 1-18 years: 600-1000 IU
- Adults 19-70 years: 600-800 IU
- Adults over 70 years: 800-1000 IU
Vitamin D can be obtained through sun exposure, diet, and supplements. Some dietary sources of vitamin D include fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified foods such as milk and cereal.
Conclusion
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in bone health. In addition to helping the body absorb calcium, it also affects the way the kidneys handle calcium. When there is a vitamin D deficiency, the kidneys reabsorb more calcium, which can lead to health problems such as kidney stones, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease. It is important to ensure that you are getting enough vitamin D through sun exposure, diet, and supplements.