Which vitamin is primarily involved in calcium absorption?

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption in the body. It facilitates the intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate, which are vital for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. When a person is exposed to sunlight, the skin synthesizes vitamin D, which can then be activated in the liver and kidneys to aid in various physiological processes, including the regulation of calcium levels in the bloodstream.

In the absence of adequate vitamin D, the ability to absorb calcium from dietary sources is severely impaired, often leading to conditions such as rickets in children or osteomalacia in adults, where bones become weak and malleable. Understanding this relationship underscores the importance of maintaining sufficient vitamin D levels to ensure effective calcium metabolism and overall skeletal health.