What is vitamin D good for?

Nicknamed “the sunshine vitamin”, vitamin D is an essential nutrient that your body produces when exposed to sunlight. It’s also present in a number of foods (such as oily fish and eggs) and can be taken as a supplement. Taking a vitamin D supplement is recommended during the winter months, or during the coronavirus lockdown when you may not be able to get outside as often.

And while many people know where you get this important vitamin from, not everyone knows exactly what it’s good for.

Your immune system

Vitamin D works to regulate the absorption of calcium and phosphorus and helps to maintain a normal immune function. Your immune system is a vital set of processes that work to protect your body from harm or infection, and it’s your body’s natural defence against illness. 

A number of other vitamins are key to a healthy immune system, such as vitamin C and vitamin E. So be sure to eat a healthy balanced diet and consider taking a daily multivitamin so ensure you’re hitting those daily recommended intakes.

Your bones

Bone abnormalities such as osteoporosis are more common in those with vitamin D deficiencies so it’s important to get enough of the sunshine vitamin to lower your risk.

Vitamin D also keeps your teeth and muscles healthy and is a key part of your body’s ability to grow and repair.

Mood

It’s been shown in research that vitamin D could play an important role in reducing your risk of depression and regulating mood.

In one study, participants suffering from depression noticed an improvement in their symptoms after taking a vitamin D supplement.

Coronavirus?

New research has suggested that vitamin D may even reduce your risk of coronavirus, after it was discovered that a large number of people who died from the disease were deficient in vitamin D.

Although there’s not enough evidence to support this yet, it’s wise to ensure you’re getting enough vitamin D by considering a supplement. With winter increasing the want to stay indoors, it’s likely that you could not be getting enough.

Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Alexis Missick MBChB. MRCGP
GMC reference no: 7151419
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