Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that’s often called the “sunshine vitamin” because your skin makes it in response to sunlight. But do you know why it's so important? Most people who take a vitamin D supplement do so for their bone health, immunity, or because their doctor told them they should (pediatricians often recommend this critical nutrient for babies who are more likely to be kept out of the sun). There's so much more to it!
Bones
Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus so if you don’t get enough you’re at higher risk for soft or fragile bones.
Immune System
It can reduce your chance of getting the flu because of its positive effect on both the immune system and inflammatory responses.
Heart
There’s promising research indicating that vitamin D deficiency increases your risk for heart attacks, failure, disease, and strokes as well as cardiovascular disease-related conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes
Mood
Studies have shown that people suffering from depression (and other mental health disorders) tend to see an improvement in their symptoms when they improved their vitamin D levels.
Pregnancy
Bun in the oven? Pregnant women are less likely to get pre-eclampsia or have a premature delivery when they have adequate vitamin D levels! They're also at lower risk of gestational diabetes and bacterial vaginosis. (It is important to note that too much vitamin D during pregnancy can increase the risk of a child with food allergies in the first 2 years).
Blood Sugar
Adequate vitamin D levels have a positive effect on your body's ability to regulate insulin levels.
Athleticism
It improves athletic performance and even body composition.
