Morgan Chamberlain is a supplement editor at mindbodygreen. She graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Science degree in magazine journalism and a minor in nutrition.
Image by STUDIO FIRMA / Stocksy
October 4, 2023
If bone health was vitamin D’s initial claim to fame, let’s call its role in immune health1 the thing that put this essential vitamin back on the map.* And while calcium absorption2 and immune response are fantastic ways for vitamin D to support our well-being, we shouldn’t sleep on the other amazing talents this vitamin has to offer.*
How vitamin D supports whole-body health
Vitamin D receptors33 are found in just about every cell in the body—meaning the sunshine vitamin plays a huge role in our health across many physiological systems. Here are six additional ways that vitamin D aids in whole-body health support:*
1.
Promotes muscle strength and function
Check on your vitamin D status—taking a look at your micronutrient intake might be the next step to reaching your fitness goals.
2.
Supports antioxidant activity and longevity
Evidence from the study indicates that individuals with sufficient vitamin D levels are more likely to experience healthy antioxidant balance, while those with deficient levels are more likely to see increased oxidative stress.*
3.
Fertility and reproductive health support
While still ongoing, this up-and-coming area of research suggests that both women and men can benefit from the reproductive support that vitamin D supplementation can provide.*
4.
Oral health support
Make way, probiotics—there’s another gut-supporting supplement in town! While a high-quality probiotic is still our No. 1 tool for promoting a healthy GI tract, it turns out vitamin D plays a part in diversifying the gut microbiome as well.*
However, it’s worth noting that as much as vitamin D helps with overall gastrointestinal health, a healthy gut is also vital for proper vitamin D absorption—so make sure you’re covering all your bases for optimal results!*
5.
Cognitive and mood support
The takeaway
Vitamin D has a role to play in just about every system throughout the body. While bone health and immune support may be vitamin D’s best-known contributions to our well-being, this essential nutrient has so much more to offer.*
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications, consult with your doctor before starting a supplement routine. It is always optimal to consult with a health care provider when considering what supplements are right for you.
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