The role of vitamin D in bone and mineral metabolism was recognized from its first identification as a factor that could cure rickets. However, vitamin D is now recognized as a prohormone which has multiple roles in maintaining optimal health.
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) and vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) are the most abundant forms of vitamin D in the body. Vitamin D3 is synthesized in the skin in response to sunlight. The best nutrition sources of D3 are oily fish. Vitamin D2 nutrition sources are from some vegetables, yeast, and fungi. Vitamin D (D3, D2, and metabolites) is converted to 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the liver. The measurement of 25-OH vitamin D is the best indicator of vitamin D nutritional status.