Vitamin D

Description

Vitamin D is important for bone health, proper functioning of nerves and muscles, reducing inflammation and its role in regulating the normal growth and destruction of the body’s cells. Vitamin D is thought to have beneficial effects on the immune system, prevention and survival of cancer, cardiovascular disease, maintenance of a healthy blood pressure, and mental health.

While vitamin D is found in some foods, it is also made in the skin when skin is exposed to sunlight. Ten minutes of sun exposure a day (without sunscreen) is typically enough sun exposure to produce an adequate supply of vitamin D. Because of the risk of skin cancer, some physicians recommend daily vitamin D supplementation rather than sun exposure.