Vitamins are substances that your body needs to grow and function normally. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, one of the main elements that make up bones. Vitamin D plays an important role in the nervous, muscular and immune systems.
You can get vitamin D in three ways: through the skin, from the diet, and from supplements. Your body forms vitamin D naturally after exposure to the sun. However, too much sun can lead to aging and skin cancer, so many people try to get their vitamin D from other sources.
Food's rich in vitamin D include egg yolks, saltwater fish, and liver. Other foods, such as milk and cereal, are often fortified with vitamin D. You can also take vitamin D supplements. Check with your health care provider to find out the right amount for you. People who may need more vitamin D include:
- Old people.
- Breastfed babies.
- Dark-Skinned people.
- People with certain conditions such as liver disease, cystic fibrosis, and Crohn's disease.
- People who are obese or those who have had gastric bypass surgery.
