Admin Table of Contents
How does vitamin D act as a hormone?
The body makes vitamin D in a chemical reaction that occurs when sunlight hits the skin. This reaction produces cholecalciferol, and the liver converts it to calcidiol. The kidneys then convert the substance to calcitriol, which is the active form of the hormone in the body.
Does vitamin D help balance hormones?
Vitamin D is actually a hormone that communicates with your other hormones, making it especially essential to help balance hormones. So, ensure you’re getting enough vitamin D2 and D3 to ease and prevent hormonal fluctuations.
How is ergocalciferol metabolized?
As part of the minor metabolism, ergocalciferol is transformed into 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the liver by the activity of D-25-hydroxylase and CYP2R1. As well, the formation of 24(R),25dihydroxyvitamin D is performed mainly in the kidneys by the action of 25-(OH)D-1-hydroxylase and 25-(OH)D-24-hydroxylase.
What are the best sources of fat-soluble vitamins?
Many phytochemicals are fat-soluble, such as lycopene found in tomatoes and beta-carotene found in carrots, so dietary fat improves the absorption of these molecules in the digestive tract. In addition to improving the bioavailability of fat-soluble vitamins, some of the best dietary sources of these vitamins are also foods that are high in fat.
What is the function of visceral fat in the body?
Visceral fat protects vital organs—such as the heart, kidneys, and liver. The blanket layer of subcutaneous fat insulates the body from extreme temperatures and helps keep the internal climate under control. It pads our hands and buttocks and prevents friction, as these areas frequently come in contact with hard surfaces.
What are phospholipids and why are they important?
Phospholipids are crucial for building the protective barrier, or membrane, around your body’s cells. In fact, phospholipids are synthesized in the body to form cell and organelle membranes. In blood and body fluids, phospholipids form structures in which fat is enclosed and transported throughout the bloodstream.
What are the functions of lipids in the human body?
Lipids perform many functions within the body: 1) Store Energy – When we take in more energy than we need, the body stores it as adipose tissue (fatty tissue, which we call fat). Carbohydrates and lipids provide most of the energy required by the human body. As discussed in the Carbohydrates unit, glucose is stored in the body as glycogen.