Perhaps best known for its role in promoting strong-and-healthy bones, vitamin D has been making headlines for additional reasons recently. Studies show that supplementation with vitamin D may play a part in maintaining a healthy immune system, preserving muscle strength, and helping to prevent diseases such as diabetes, muscular sclerosis, and cancer.
Obtained naturally through foods such as milk, salmon, tuna, cereal, eggs, and cheese, vitamin D is converted by the liver and kidney into its active hormone form, which then sends a message to the intestines to absorb calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D helps the body maintain normal blood levels of these minerals. Without it, bones may become brittle and weak. Heard of rickets””the “soft bone” condition? It’s caused by a deficiency of vitamin D.
In addition to getting vitamin D through diet, sunlight is another natural source. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun stimulates vitamin D production by the skin. It’s especially important to make sure you get enough vitamin D in the winter, when you spend more time indoors and less time outside absorbing sunshine.