## Facts __Promotes calcium absorption__ The main purpose of vitamin D is to maintain bone health because it participates in phosphorus-calcium metabolism and improves calcium absorption in the intestine. At normal levels of [vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarybiomarker?id=187), calcium absorption is 30-40 %. __Prevents depression__ Vitamin D is involved in the synthesis of serotonin and dopamine, which affect our mood. If there is a lack of vitamin D, these hormones are not produced in sufficient quantities and the risk of depression increases. __Improves the immune system__ Vitamin D promotes the synthesis of antimicrobial peptides in the epithelial cells of the respiratory system that help neutralize the flu and acute viral infections. The active form of vitamin D (calcitriol) reduces pro-[inflammatory](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarydisease?id=78) cytokines and protects immune cells from death. __Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease__ Vitamin D is essential for carbohydrate and fat metabolism. The higher its level in the body, the lower ===the level of bad cholesterol. In addition, vitamin D helps normalize blood pressure. All of this is an excellent prevention of heart disease. __Helps fight some types of cancer__ Vitamin D prevents the uncontrolled reproduction of cancer cells, which is characteristic of cancer. It slows down their division and proliferation and promotes their death. It is true that so far the preventive effect of vitamin D has been proven only for some kinds of cancer ([colon](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarydisease?id=127), breast, and [prostate](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarydisease?id=134)). __Increases libido__ Vitamin D is a prohormone from which vital hormones such as sex hormones are synthesized. Therefore, taking vitamin D supplements improves reproductive function and promotes sexual activity in both women and men. > Normal blood levels of vitamin D: 30-80 ng/ml ## Myths __Makes people lose weight__ There is currently no conclusive evidence for a direct link between vitamin D levels and weight loss or gain. __Low levels lead to diabetes__ Although type 2 diabetes is associated with low vitamin D levels, research shows that taking supplements does not reduce [A1C](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarybiomarker?id=38) levels (an indicator mainly used to monitor impaired glucose metabolism). Therefore low vitamin D levels are not the cause, but the consequence of the disease. __If you spend a lot of time in the sun, you don't need supplements__ Vitamin D is produced by sunlight. Its highest levels are between 11 a. m. and 2 p. m. when ultraviolet rays are most intense. If you are usually inside during these hours, it is not unreasonable to check your vitamin levels. __The more the better__ Excess vitamin D is toxic and leads to an increased concentration of calcium in the body. Side effects of intoxication can include nausea, vomiting, frequent urination, emotional agitation, weakness, bone pain, and [kidney diseases](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarydisease?id=75) failure. This happens rarely, but when it does it is likely due to taking too many vitamin D supplements. The benefits of vitamin D are undeniable, but you should not decide on your own whether to take supplements. If you think you might be deficient in vitamin D, you should contact a specialist who will select the dosage and adjust your diet. And it is best to monitor the level of vitamin D in the dynamics. The easiest way to do this is with the Ornament, where all the data will be at your fingertips and in perfect order.