Final answer:
The false statement is that essential nutrients can be synthesized by the body. Vitamin D, while synthesized in the skin in response to sunlight exposure, is still considered essential because its production can vary widely and may not meet the needs without dietary intake.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct statement regarding Vitamin D is:
- Taking excess Vitamin D can result in a phosphorus toxicity.
- Sun exposure affects the amount of Vitamin D synthesized.
- Vitamin D is required for healthy bones.
The false statement is that essential nutrients can be synthesized by the body. In fact, essential nutrients must be obtained through diet because the body cannot synthesize them. Vitamin D can be synthesized in the skin upon sunlight exposure; however, it still qualifies as an essential nutrient due to its necessity for good health and because the amount synthesized can vary based on several factors such as skin pigmentation and geographic location, possibly not meeting the individual's needs without dietary intake or supplements.
It's important to understand that although the body can make Vitamin D from sunlight exposure, it's not classified as a nutrient that can be synthesized by the body in the way that non-essential nutrients are, because the synthesis depends on external factors (like sunlight) and may not be adequate under certain conditions.