Which vitamin is essential for the absorption of calcium?

Vitamin D plays a critical role in the absorption of calcium in the body, making it essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. When the body is exposed to sunlight, it synthesizes vitamin D, which then enhances the intestinal absorption of calcium from the diet. Without adequate levels of vitamin D, the efficiency of calcium absorption can significantly decrease, leading to potential deficiencies that may result in bone disorders such as rickets in children and osteomalacia or osteoporosis in adults. This underscores the importance of ensuring sufficient vitamin D intake through sunlight exposure, diet, and supplements if necessary, to support optimal calcium metabolism.