Which of the following vitamins increases the amount of calcium in the body?

The correct answer is Vitamin D.

Key Points

• Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption in the intestines and helps maintain adequate serum calcium levels to support bone health.
• It promotes calcium and phosphate absorption, which are crucial for healthy bones and teeth.
• A deficiency of Vitamin D can lead to conditions such as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults, both of which are associated with weak or soft bones.
• Vitamin D can be synthesized by the skin upon exposure to sunlight or obtained from dietary sources like fortified milk, fish, and egg yolks.
• It also plays a role in immune system regulation and reducing inflammation in the body.

Additional Information

• Calcium: A mineral essential for various physiological processes, including bone formation, muscle contraction, and nerve function. It is stored primarily in bones and teeth.
• Parathyroid Hormone (PTH): This hormone works in conjunction with Vitamin D to regulate calcium levels in the blood by promoting calcium release from bones and increasing calcium absorption in the gut.
• Sources of Vitamin D: Major sources include sunlight exposure, fortified foods (e.g., milk, cereals), fatty fish (e.g., salmon, mackerel), and supplements.
• Vitamin D Deficiency: Insufficient levels of Vitamin D can lead to weakened bones, increased risk of fractures, and other health issues such as impaired immune function.
• Types of Vitamin D: The two main forms of Vitamin D are D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol), with D3 being more effective at raising blood levels of Vitamin D.