Vitamin D3. Computer model of a molecule of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Atoms are represented as spheres and are colour-coded: carbon (yellow), hydr

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Vitamin D3. Computer model of a molecule of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Atoms are represented as spheres and are colour-coded: carbon (yellow), hydrogen (white) and oxygen (pink). This is the form of vitamin D produced in the human body by the action of sunlight on skin. Vitamin D is fat- soluble and also found in foods such as oily fish, milk liver and egg yolk. Vitamin D is necessary for the absorption of calcium and phosphorous in the gut. Deficiencies in vitamin D lead to rickets (improper bone formation) in children, and osteomalacia (bone softening) and osteoporosis (brittle bone disease) in adults.

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Size: 4496px × 3632px
Photo credit: © DR TIM EVANS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: artwork, ball--stick, biochemical, biochemistry, bone, chemical, chemistry, cholecalciferol, compound, compounds, computer, d3, diet, dietary, fat-soluble, formation, illustration, medical, medicine, model, molecular, molecule, molecules, single, structure, vitamin