Vitamin D is naturally present in few dietary sources, but a number of drinks and food, such as fortified cereal, milk and orange juice, are supplemented with it. The most common source of vitamin D is that generated by your skin in the presence of sunlight. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble nutrient that promotes calcium absorption in your digestive system prior to moving through your system to promote healthy bone mass. The vitamin is stored in the liver, where it undergoes changes to make it useful as a viable nutrient. According to the University of North Carolina, vitamin D plays an important role in digestion.
Roles
In addition to enabling normal mineralization of bones, vitamin D modulates cell growth, supports the immune system and reduces inflammation. Cells in your digestive system have vitamin D receptors needed for protein synthesis. Rickets, osteoporosis and skeletal deformities are the most common symptoms of vitamin D deficiency, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin D plays a role in the prevention of prostate, colon and breast cancers. It also may contribute to the prevention of diabetes, glucose intolerance and hypertension.
Absorption
Calcium is vital for building and maintaining strong bones, but vitamin D is necessary to promote calcium absorption. Intolerance of lactose, the sugar found in milk and dairy products, may result from a lack of vitamin D in your digestive system, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Increasing your dietary intake of foods rich in vitamin D, such as liver, eggs and fortified yogurt, can relieve lactose-intolerance symptoms, which include gas, diarrhea, bloating and abdominal pain.
Processes
Vitamin D receptor cells are present all along your digestive system. Cells in your mouth, esophagus, and small and large intestines rely on vitamin D to keep various bodily functions operating. Epithelial and fat-forming cells have vitamin D receptors. Hormones and amino acids rely on sufficient vitamin D uptake to continue with their normal processes. Systemic calcium management is the primary role of vitamin D, according to the University of North Carolina, but the vitamin is also necessary to maintain a host of healthy physiological functions in your digestive system.
Warning
Exposure to excessive ultraviolet radiation from sunlight can lead to skin conditions such as premature aging and cancer. If you avoid sun exposure because of the risk of side effects or skin complications, talk to your doctor before taking vitamin D supplements to compensate. Vitamin D toxicity can lead to a number of conditions, including anorexia and unexplained weight loss. Too much vitamin D can affect your heart and lead to tissue and vascular calcification. Excessive vitamin D in your body also can cause kidney stones.
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