vitamin D

American  

noun

1. any of the several fat-soluble, antirachitic vitamins D 1 , D 2 , D 3 , occurring in milk and fish-liver oils, especially cod and halibut, or obtained by irradiating provitamin D with ultraviolet light, essential for the formation of normal bones and teeth.

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vitamin D British  

noun

1. any of the fat-soluble vitamins, including calciferol and cholecalciferol, occurring in fish-liver oils (esp cod-liver oil), milk, butter, and eggs: used in the treatment of rickets and osteomalacia

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vitamin D Scientific  

1. Any of a group of fat-soluble sterols necessary for normal bone growth, especially vitamin D ₂ (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D ₃ (cholecalciferol). Vitamin D is found in milk, fish, and eggs and can be produced in the skin on exposure to sunlight. A deficiency of vitamin D in the diet causes rickets in children.

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Etymology

Origin of vitamin D

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

For example, some results suggested that vitamin D might help reduce depressive symptoms in teens, but the findings were not consistent.

From Science Daily

Whilst exposure to small amounts of UV radiation is essential to produce vitamin D, the World Health Organization warns "overexposure may result in acute and chronic health effects on the skin, eye and immune system".

From BBC

Over the four week study period, the researchers found no meaningful difference between the vitamin D and placebo groups in terms of healthcare utilization or death.

From Science Daily

These foods provide nutrients that are essential for maintaining muscle and bone health, including high-quality protein, vitamin B12, calcium and vitamin D.

From Science Daily

She and her friends would tell themselves they were using the beds, she says, to get "a few minutes of vitamin D".

From BBC