Vitamin D is vital for calcium absorption in bones and to
improve muscle strength. Not getting enough vitamin D in childhood can slow
growth or cause misshapen bones (rickets), and not getting enough vitamin D
throughout life increases the risk for bone thinning (osteoporosis) in later
years.
Many people can get the amount of vitamin D needed each day through food and sunlight. Vitamin D is in foods such as egg yolks,
liver, saltwater fish, and vitamin D-fortified dairy products. Vitamin D also
is available in supplements, often in combination with calcium.
