Joy Onuorah

Vitamin D is needed to keep your body functioning well.

Vitamin D helps with strong bones and may help prevent some cancers.

Signs of Vitamin D deficiency

• Fatigue.
• Bone pain.
• Muscle weakness, muscle aches, or muscle cramps.
• Mood changes, like depression.

Health effects of Vitamin D deficiency

• Heart disease and high blood pressure.
• Diabetes.
• Infections and immune system disorders.
• Falls in older people.
• Some types of cancer, such as colon, prostate and breast cancers.
• Multiple sclerosis.

Sources of Vitamin D

• Being exposed to the sun. About 15-20 minutes three days per week is usually sufficient.
• Through the foods you eat.
• Through nutritional supplements.

To get enough D, look to certain foods, supplements, and carefully planned sunlight.