Define Functions of Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is required to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphate, which are in turn needed for the normal mineralization of bone, muscle contraction, nerve conduction and general cellular functions in all cells of the body.

Vitamin D also modulates the transcription of cell cycle proteins, which increase cell proliferation and increase cell differentiation of n number of specialized cells of the body (e. g, osteoclastic precursors, enterocytes, keratinocytes). This property may explain the actions of vitamin D in bone resorption, intestinal calcium transport and skin. Vitamin D also possesses immunomodulatory properties that may alter responses to infections in vivo.