Steps to Vitamin D

Step 1: Sunlight (UVB rays)

Hits the skin and starts the process of making vitamin D

Step 2: 7-dehydrocholesterol

A chemical in the skin that absorbs UVB rays and changes into previtamin D₃

Step 3: Previtamin D₃

Formed in the skin and then changed into vitamin D₃ by body heat

Step 4: Vitamin D₃ (cholecalciferol)

Travels through the blood to the liver

Step 5: Liver

Changes vitamin D₃ into calcidiol

Step 6: Calcidiol

Form of vitamin D made in the liver before moving to the kidneys

Step 7: Kidneys

Change calcidiol into calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D

Step 8: Calcitriol (active vitamin D)

Helps the body use more calcium and phosphate

Step 9: Calcium and phosphate

Used by the body to keep bones and teeth strong

Step 10: Result

Vitamin D helps maintain strong bones and healthy body functions