vitamin D

noun

: any or all of several fat-soluble vitamins chemically related to steroids, essential for normal bone and tooth structure, and found especially in fish-liver oils, egg yolk, and milk or produced by activation (as by ultraviolet irradiation) of sterols: such as

a

or vitamin D₂

-ˈdē-ˈtü 

: calciferol

b

or vitamin D₃

-ˈdē-ˈthrē 

: cholecalciferol

Examples of vitamin D in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Enzymes that break down vitamin D need magnesium as a cofactor to carry out enzymatic reactions. —Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 5 Apr. 2024

Also, vitamin D supplements can interact with certain medications like statins, steroids, and diuretics. —Casey Seiden, Parents, 22 Mar. 2024

Exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet that includes protein, iron, zinc, vitamin D, and biotin can keep hair healthy. —Korin Miller, Health, 20 Mar. 2024

Getting enough vitamin D may be especially important for those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and other inflammatory conditions. —Casey Seiden, Parents, 22 Mar. 2024

This can also happen with nutritional deficiencies, like a lack of iron, vitamin D, biotin, or zinc. —Krissy Brady, SELF, 5 Mar. 2024

However, research indicates that supplementing with HMB, coupled with creatine and vitamin D, effectively mitigates this phenomenon, enabling you to optimize your workout regimen. —Charlotte Observer, 30 Jan. 2024

Mushrooms are also one of the few natural food sources of vitamin D, and contain beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that aids in the reduction of blood cholesterol levels. —Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024

So the findings might not apply to adults with vitamin D deficiency or osteoporosis, Herries pointed out. —Sandra Gordon, Health, 9 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1921, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

vitamin D

noun

: any of several vitamins that are needed for normal bone and tooth structure, and are found especially in fish-liver oils, egg yolk, and milk or are produced in response to ultraviolet light

Medical Definition

vitamin D

noun

: any or all of several fat-soluble vitamins chemically related to steroids, essential for normal bone and tooth structure, and found especially in fish-liver oils, egg yolk, and milk or produced by activation (as by ultraviolet irradiation) of sterols: as

a

: calciferol

b

: cholecalciferol

called also sunshine vitamin