What You Need to Know About Vitamin D and Supplements

While the sunshine vitamin is essential to our health, too much vitamin D can lead to adverse health effects.

By Anna Nordseth; Medically Reviewed by Dr. Ahmad Talha Azam
Oct 10, 2023 3:00 PMDec 28, 2023 3:16 PM
Young Woman is holding Vitamin D Capsule. Sun and blue Sky.
(Credit:Food Impressions/Shutterstock)

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Colloquially known as the "sunshine vitamin," our bodies make vitamin D when our skin is exposed to sunlight — a built-in production system that hints at just how essential vitamin D is for our health.

However, modern lifestyles that keep us indoors don't lend themselves to getting enough sun for sufficient vitamin D production. As a result, experts estimate that nearly a quarter of Americans aren't getting enough vitamin D.

Despite its significance, questions remain: How much is enough? Can supplements effectively address a deficiency? Is there a benefit to taking more than the recommended amount?

The answers to these questions remain a topic of research and debate among researchers and doctors.

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