INFO - Definition of vitamin and vitamin D

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Merck Source

Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary

vitamin (vi·ta·min) (vi´tə-min) [L. vita life + amine]

any of various unrelated organic substances that occur in many foods

in small amounts and that are necessary in trace amounts for the

normal metabolic functioning of the body. They may be water-soluble or

fat-soluble.

vitamin D

either of two fat-soluble compounds with antirachitic activity, or

both collectively: cholecalciferol (q.v.), which is synthesized in the

skin and is considered a hormone, and ergocalciferol (q.v.), which is

the form generally used as a dietary supplement. Dietary sources

include some fish liver oils, egg yolks, and fortified dairy products.

Deficiency of vitamin D can result in rickets in children and

osteomalacia in adults, while ingestion of excess levels can lead to

hypercalcemia, mobilization of calcium from bone, and renal

dysfunction. References to metabolites of vitamin D may denote those

of cholecalciferol, of ergocalciferol, or of both collectively.

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Not an MD