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Updated: August 2, 2022

Vitamin D: Deficiency, Relevant Health Issues and Major Sources (FS-1146)

Vitamin D is an important nutrient that helps keep bones healthy and allows muscles and nerves to work properly. It also supports immune system function. Vitamin D can be sourced through foods and supplements, as well as sun exposure. Of late, there has been a lot of attention to the role and function of vitamin D in the context of obesity, prevention of cancer, hypertension, and type II diabetes. Vitamin D is also involved in a variety of cells within our body. The amount of vitamin D that people need each day varies depending on age, lifestyle, and certain health conditions. Dietary sources and vitamin D supplements can meet this requirement, though dietary sources are more commonly preferred. This fact sheet will help you understand how much vitamin D you need, how it affects overall health conditions, and the major vitamin D sources. Authors: Hee-Jung Song, Mona Habibi, Dhruti Patel, and Harley Kappey; Title: Vitamin D: Deficiency, Relevant Health Issues and Major Sources (FS-1146)