Which two minerals are regulated by vitamin D to maintain homeostasis?

Which two minerals are regulated by vitamin D to maintain homeostasis?

• A. Calcium and Phosphorus
• B. Sodium and Potassium
• C. Magnesium and Zinc
• D. Iron and Copper

Answer: (A)

Vitamin D helps keep mineral balance by boosting the body's ability to absorb calcium and phosphate (a form of phosphorus) from the diet. Active vitamin D increases the gut’s absorption of these minerals, which are essential for bone mineralization and for many cellular processes like muscle function and nerve signaling. The body also uses vitamin D in concert with parathyroid hormone to keep blood calcium and phosphate in a narrow range: when calcium is low, PTH raises calcium levels by increasing bone release, boosting kidney reabsorption of calcium, and promoting the activation of vitamin D to further enhance intestinal calcium absorption. Phosphate balance is similarly supported through vitamin D–driven absorption from the gut. Because of these direct roles, calcium and phosphate are the minerals regulated by vitamin D to maintain homeostasis. Other minerals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and copper are controlled by different hormonal and transport mechanisms, so they are not the primary targets of vitamin D–driven regulation.

Vitamin D helps keep mineral balance by boosting the body's ability to absorb calcium and phosphate (a form of phosphorus) from the diet. Active vitamin D increases the gut’s absorption of these minerals, which are essential for bone mineralization and for many cellular processes like muscle function and nerve signaling. The body also uses vitamin D in concert with parathyroid hormone to keep blood calcium and phosphate in a narrow range: when calcium is low, PTH raises calcium levels by increasing bone release, boosting kidney reabsorption of calcium, and promoting the activation of vitamin D to further enhance intestinal calcium absorption. Phosphate balance is similarly supported through vitamin D–driven absorption from the gut. Because of these direct roles, calcium and phosphate are the minerals regulated by vitamin D to maintain homeostasis.

Other minerals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and copper are controlled by different hormonal and transport mechanisms, so they are not the primary targets of vitamin D–driven regulation.