What Do Kidneys Do?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
9. Vitamin D Activation
The main source of vitamin D synthesis in the body is sunlight or dietary supplements. This hormone, also known as calcitriol, helps the body to grow and maintain strong, healthy bones by regulating body levels of calcium and phosphorous. However, the body cannot utilize vitamin D in its original form.
Vitamin D has to be metabolized within the body to its biologically active form. The process to metabolize vitamin D takes place in two steps. The first step takes place in the liver, where it is hydroxylated to a substrate known as 25-hydroxycholecalciferol. This substrate is then sent to the kidneys, which activate it to its biologically active form.
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