Vitamin D is called the sunshine vitamin because it actually comes from exposure to sunlight.

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which is why a dietary supplement combining calcium and Vitamin D is often recommended for strong bones.

New studies show that Vitamin D may also protect against heart attacks and cardiovascular disease, as well as some types of cancer and many other chronic illnesses.

The research suggests that people with chronically low vitamin D levels secrete too much parathyroid hormone, leading to a condition called hyperparathyroidism, which has been tied to heart and blood vessel problems. One survey showed that half of all Americans appear to be deficient in Vitamin D to some degree, with obese people most deficient, possibly because Vitamin D gets trapped in fat cells.

Indoor sedentary lifestyles and the extensive use of sunscreens may be decreasing the levels of Vitamin D people once received from natural exposure to sunlight. To compensate, many juices, milks and foods are now fortified with Vitamin D.

A daily supplement containing Vitamin D will help keep your body strong and healthy, especially for people who have reached middle age.