Vitamins are essential to our bodies. An important vitamin that the human needs in order to function right is vitamin D. This nutrient is fat-soluble.

One of its properties is to make our bones stronger. That’s not the only good property of this vitamin. There’re several other reasons why vitamin D shouldn’t be overlooked. Read further and find out if you receive enough vitamin D.

1. Get vitamin D through food and sunlight.

Vitamin D (aka ‘sunshine’ vitamin) is produced by your body when you expose your skin to the sun. It usually takes around 15-20 minutes a day three times per week in order to receive the necessary amount of this nutrient. If you live in a colder country where sunny days are rare, you might not make adequate amounts of the vitamin. Shady areas, clouds and cosmetics with sunscreen prevent you from receiving vitamin D. People with darker complexion produce less vitamin D as well. If this is your case, it is advised to eat the right foods, such as fatty fish, for example, tuna or salmon. Three oz. of fatty fish contains more than 400 IU (international units) of vitamin D.

2. Vitamin D boosts the immune system.

It has been proved that the immune system can be activated by taking the right amounts of vitamin D. Experts claim that the system’s T-cells will easily identify bad pathogens, attack them and prevent these harmful substances from circulating throughout the body. Fighting infections becomes much easier if the body is provided with this vitamin. Visit your doctor and determine whether you receive enough vitamin D by taking a blood test. If your doctor says the amounts of the nutrient is not sufficient, you will be recommended to take special supplements.