Calcium and Vitamin D: Interesting facts about the interaction

Both the mineral calcium and vitamin D are important for the stability of your bones. This health tip explains how the two substances interact in the body.

Calcium and vitamin D - interplay in the body

Calcium ensures stable bones and healthy teeth.

• The mineral is not only needed for building bones, but also in the cardiovascular system.
• Your body stores calcium in bones. If the calcium level in the blood drops, calcium is released from the bones.
• The more precise name of vitamin D is vitamin D3. It is a fat-soluble vitamin.
• The peculiarity of vitamin D3 is that it is the only vitamin that can be produced by the body itself. This happens in the skin. Sufficient sunlight is a prerequisite for the formation of vitamin D3.
• Vitamin D has a major influence on the calcium content of the bones. More calcium is absorbed through the intestine if there is enough vitamin D in the body.
• In addition, vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium in the bone. Not only calcium deficiency, but also a lack of vitamin D are risk factors for osteoporosis.

Minerals and vitamin intake in the diet

You can cover your calcium needs very well with your diet.

• There are some foods that contain calcium. The best known representatives are milk and almost all milk products.
• Mineral water containing calcium is also a good source.
• Green vegetables such as kale or spinach are rich in calcium.
• It is already more difficult to get enough vitamin D from food because your body uses UVB rays to make this vitamin itself.
• Especially in the dark season, a deficiency can be more easily. Cod liver oil is a good source of vitamin D. However, not everyone can cope with the special taste.
• Fatty fish such as herring or salmon also have some vitamin D on their plates and taste much better.