Project Dhoop by Food Safety and Standards Authority | UPSC – IAS

It is a nationwide campaign launched by FSSAI along with NCERT, New Delhi Municipal Council and North MCD Schools to spread awareness about consumption of Vitamin D through natural sun light and consuming fortified food among school going children.

Vitamin D and its importance for the body

Vitamin D is essential for the development of human bones. It facilitates absorption of calcium and phosphorus by intestines and their retention in the body and deposition in bones and teeth.
When skin is exposed to sun, the cholesterol in the skin converts the cholesterol to Vitamin D via additional conversions in the liver and kidneys.
The deficiency of Vitamin D can cause Rickets in children and Osteomalacia in adults, whereas acute deficiency could lead to brain, cardiovascular and kidney damage.
Source of Vitamin D – Fish liver oil, egg yolk, milk, liver etc.