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Nutrition & Dietetics vocabulary · Vitamins and Minerals

vitamin D

Meaning in nutrition & dietetics, with examples

nounCommon term

In nutrition & dietetics, vitamin D means: A fat-soluble vitamin that helps the body absorb calcium and keep bones healthy. The skin makes it in sunlight, and small amounts come from oily fish, eggs and fortified foods.

In Turkish: D vitamini

How it is used

Very common in clinics because low levels are widespread, especially in winter and among people who cover their skin or stay indoors. Blood levels are measured as 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Doses are written in micrograms (µg) or international units (IU).

Example sentences

  1. Vitamin D deficiency is common in Turkey despite the sunny climate.

  2. The doctor prescribed vitamin D drops for the baby.

Common collocations

  • vitamin D deficiency
  • vitamin D levels
  • vitamin D supplement
  • vitamin D drops
  • vitaminAn organic substance that the body needs in small amounts for growth, immunity and normal metabolism. Most vitamins must come from food because the body cannot make enough of them.
  • fat-soluble vitaminOne of the four vitamins, A, D, E and K, that dissolve in fat. They are absorbed together with dietary fat and can be stored in the liver and fatty tissue.
  • calciumThe most abundant mineral in the body, stored mainly in bones and teeth. It is also needed for muscle contraction, nerve signals and blood clotting.
  • deficiencyA lack of a nutrient in the body that is serious enough to affect health or cause specific signs, such as anemia caused by too little iron.
  • supplementA product such as a tablet, capsule, powder or drink that adds nutrients or other substances to the diet, for example vitamin D drops, iron tablets or protein powder.

More terms: Vitamins and Minerals

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.