Vitamin D
Vitamin D is such an essential vitamin that it deserves its own page. Our bodies need vitamin D to soak up and keep healthy calcium levels, manage cell growth, and promote neuromuscular function. It also reduces pain and inflammation. Unfortunately, more than half of the US population suffers from vitamin D deficiency.
A severe deficiency in vitamin D can lead to osteomalacia and osteoporosis in adults, and rickets in children. Our bodies get this vital nutrient from soaking up ultraviolet rays from the sun, which triggers the fusion of vitamin D to our bodies. This becomes tricky if you live in areas where you barely see the sun for long periods, it can be hard to get enough vitamin D.
In addition to sun exposure, we can get vitamin D through our diet. Some foods have vitamin D added to them during processing. But, some seafood like salmon, trout, and tuna offer natural levels of vitamin D that may be higher than fortified foods, like cereal. So make sure you stock up during the winter months!
