Functions of vitamin D:

One of the most important and major biological functions of vitamin D is to maintain appropriate levels of calcium and phosphorus in human blood. Calcium is vital in the strengthening of the bones and phosphorus is needed in maintaining good teeth and bones and for the proper functioning of the nerves of the muscles. Vitamin D is very essential for the body as it aids in the absorption of calcium, which helps in the formation, and the maintenance of strong bones and without it the bones may become thin, brittle and soft along with other deformations. Vitamin becomes more important with the increase in the age, for not only the strength of the bones but also the teeth. In a study that was recently conducted in the United States it has been found out that men and women over the age group of 50 years who lack in this vitamin has significantly increased chances of having the periodontal diseases that accounts for the common chronic inflammation of the gums and causes the loss of tooth. Vitamin is also effective in controlling the growth of cells.

Effects of vitamin D:

It is found that vitamin D actively interferes with the effectiveness of the calcium channel blockers. This class of drugs is extensively used in the treatment of high blood pressure; chest pain and irregular heart beats. It can also increase the normal levels of calcium in the blood when a supplement of vitamin D is taken along with thiazide diuretics. Apart from theses another very common disorder that is found in the adults due to over dosage of vitamin D through dietary intake is hypercalcaemia a condition in which the levels of calcium in the blood rises than the normal requirements. A prolonged prevalence of such a condition may lead to serious threats to the health including damage to the heart and kidney. In some cases it is observed that hyper content of vitamin D through synthesis of ultra violet rays of the sun by the skin can cause toxicity. The usual symptoms include nausea, vomiting, anorexia, headaches, weakness and pain in the bone. As this vitamin plays an important role in the mineralizing and calcification of the bones excessive ingestion of it may give rise to deformities in the skeletal structure and abnormalities in the metabolism of calcium within the body.