Health for life

Most of us know we need vitamin D for strong bones. Now it appears that this nutrient, or rather a lack of it, may play a role in asthma, cancer, depression, heart disease, diabetes, even weight gain. See why vitamin D may be one of the most important nutrients in your health toolbox, whos at risk for a deficiency, and the safest ways to get enough vitamin D.

Vitamin D allows your body to absorb calcium. Without it, your bones can become brittle and weak. In adults, too little vitamin D can lead to malformed bones and osteoporosis.  In children, vitamin D deficiency once caused many cases of rickets, a bone disease and a major public health problem in the U.S. Fortifying the milk supply with vitamin D virtually eliminated the disorder.

Low blood levels of vitamin D may have effects beyond your bones. Studies find a greater risk of heart problems and a greater risk of depression in older adults. And though its not clear why, people taking a vitamin D supplement were 7% less likely to die than those who didnt take a daily supplement in one study. In children, researchers have found more severe asthma when vitamin D levels are low.

In a perfect world, youd never have to worry about getting enough vitamin D. Your body produces it on its own. The trick is exposing some portion of your skin to direct sunlight for 15 to 30 minutes a few days a week. But the UV rays that stimulate production of vitamin D can also cause skin cancer. So most experts dont recommend getting your vitamin D from sun exposure.