It’s no secret that vitamin D builds strong bones and teeth. But this quintessential vitamin does so much more than it gets credit for — it could be the key to unlocking better overall health. 

This all-important vitamin is known for helping the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, both of which are mission-critical for bone development, slowing bone loss, and preventing bone diseases like osteoporosis.

In addition, vitamin D can support the immune system and improve total physical and mental health. Here’s the side of vitamin D that’s rarely talked about and why a multivitamin is a great option for getting more vitamin D in your routine.

1. Vitamin D is the “Sunshine Vitamin”

Vitamin D is unique in the vitamin world because we can produce it ourselves through sunlight exposure. That’s why it’s called the “sunshine vitamin” — sunlight triggers the production of Vitamin D in the skin.

When the skin is exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from the sun, a precursor of vitamin D present in the skin turns into an active form of vitamin D called calcitriol. This process occurs in special cells in the skin called keratinocytes.

A little goes a long way. You don’t want too much sun exposure, as this can increase your risk of skin cancer and skin damage. But getting a daily dose of sunshine will help you produce vitamin D and reap its benefits.

2. It’s Not Just a Vitamin — It’s a Hormone

Vitamin D acts as a prohormone in the body, which means it serves as a precursor that the body converts into a hormone. Once vitamin D is produced in the skin or collected from food, it’s converted in the liver and kidneys to become calcitriol.

This active hormone plays a fundamental role in regulating calcium and phosphorus in the blood, helping with bone formation. It also supports the immune system and promotes muscle function, might like vitamin C!  You can read more about the super powers of vitamin C in our information article found here.

3. Vitamin D Has Few Natural Food Sources

Food is the best source of essential nutrients. But unlike most vitamins, which are found abundantly in a variety of foods, there are very few foods that can give us vitamin D.

Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel, as well as fortified foods like milk, orange juice, and cereal, are among the primary sources. However, dietary restrictions and access to certain foods can make it hard to rely solely on food for vitamin D. Sunlight and multivitamins for kids or adults can help to fill in nutritional gaps caused by a lack of food access.

4. 1 in 8 Has a Vitamin D Deficiency

Not so much a “fun fact” as it is a sad reality, but many people do not get enough vitamin D. It’s estimated that 1 billion people worldwide have vitamin D deficiency, while about half of the population has insufficient levels of vitamin D.

Again, this is partly because there are very few natural food sources that give us vitamin D. But other factors play a role, too, including:

• Living in a place with limited sunlight
• Certain times of the year when there’s limited sunlight
• Poor air quality that limits outdoor time
• Cold weather and spending more time indoors
• Sunscreen use
• Clothing that covers more of the skin

Taking a supplement can help to overcome these challenges. You can also order a simple blood test to see if you have a vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency before starting a new supplement.

Adding Vitamin D to Your Daily Wellness Routine

If you need to add the sunshine vitamin to your routine, Nutracelle can help. Our multivitamin formula for kids or adults includes high-quality nutrients in delicious gummies you’ll want to eat every day. Shop today and do your health a favor!