The takeaway:
Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium to maintain strong bones and supports muscle movement. Vitamin D also assists nerve function to carry messages between the brain and body. It contributes to immune health and may help control inflammation and blood sugar. Vitamin D may also have positive impacts on some cancers. Some groups of people are at higher risk for deficiency and may benefit from testing or supplementation under medical guidance. There is risk of vitamin D toxicity, so supplementing under medical guidance is important.