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The Sunshine Vitamin and Its Health Benefits
What is the Sunshine Vitamin? The sunshine vitamin, commonly known as vitamin D, is a fat-soluble nutrient that plays a crucial role in numerous physiological processes in the human body. Unlike other vitamins, vitamin D can be synthesized by the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight, specifically ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. This unique trait makes it one of the most easily accessible nutrients, provided adequate sun exposure. However, many individuals experience deficiencies due to lifestyle factors, geographical location, or limited sun exposure. How Sunshine Vitamin is Produced and Absorbed When UVB rays hit the skin, they interact with a cholesterol derivative, 7-dehydrocholesterol, to produce vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). This…