A number of nutrients play key roles in supporting immune health, including vitamin D. Here's what you need to know about how the sunshine vitamin functions within the body.

What Is It?

• A fat-soluble vitamin, which means it is best absorbed if you take it with avocado or some other source of healthy fat
• Created by the body when skin is exposed to sunlight, which is why it’s called “the sunshine vitamin”
• Other sources include fatty fish (like salmon), egg yolks and fortified dairy products

How Does It Support Immune Health?

• Studies have shown a link between deficiency and impaired immune function^{†The information provided is not an endorsement of any product, and is intended for educational purposes only. NaturesPlus does not provide medical advice and does not offer diagnosis of any conditions. Current research on this topic is not conclusive and further research may be needed in order to prove the benefits described. The conditions and symptoms described may be indicative of serious health problems, and therefore should be brought to the attention of a qualified healthcare practitioner.}
• Has shown an ability to improve the body’s defenses against infection^{†The information provided is not an endorsement of any product, and is intended for educational purposes only. NaturesPlus does not provide medical advice and does not offer diagnosis of any conditions. Current research on this topic is not conclusive and further research may be needed in order to prove the benefits described. The conditions and symptoms described may be indicative of serious health problems, and therefore should be brought to the attention of a qualified healthcare practitioner.}
• Helps regulate the immune system so that it reacts properly to genuine threats without becoming overactive and attacking the body’s own tissues^{†The information provided is not an endorsement of any product, and is intended for educational purposes only. NaturesPlus does not provide medical advice and does not offer diagnosis of any conditions. Current research on this topic is not conclusive and further research may be needed in order to prove the benefits described. The conditions and symptoms described may be indicative of serious health problems, and therefore should be brought to the attention of a qualified healthcare practitioner.}

What Are Its Other Functions?

• Helps calcium build strong bones and teeth^{†The information provided is not an endorsement of any product, and is intended for educational purposes only. NaturesPlus does not provide medical advice and does not offer diagnosis of any conditions. Current research on this topic is not conclusive and further research may be needed in order to prove the benefits described. The conditions and symptoms described may be indicative of serious health problems, and therefore should be brought to the attention of a qualified healthcare practitioner.}
• Has been linked to cardiovascular well-being^{†The information provided is not an endorsement of any product, and is intended for educational purposes only. NaturesPlus does not provide medical advice and does not offer diagnosis of any conditions. Current research on this topic is not conclusive and further research may be needed in order to prove the benefits described. The conditions and symptoms described may be indicative of serious health problems, and therefore should be brought to the attention of a qualified healthcare practitioner.}
• Low levels have been associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes^{†The information provided is not an endorsement of any product, and is intended for educational purposes only. NaturesPlus does not provide medical advice and does not offer diagnosis of any conditions. Current research on this topic is not conclusive and further research may be needed in order to prove the benefits described. The conditions and symptoms described may be indicative of serious health problems, and therefore should be brought to the attention of a qualified healthcare practitioner.}
• Plays a role in regulating the nervous system^{†The information provided is not an endorsement of any product, and is intended for educational purposes only. NaturesPlus does not provide medical advice and does not offer diagnosis of any conditions. Current research on this topic is not conclusive and further research may be needed in order to prove the benefits described. The conditions and symptoms described may be indicative of serious health problems, and therefore should be brought to the attention of a qualified healthcare practitioner.}

What Supplemental Forms Are Best?

• Available in strengths up to 5,000 IU and in a variety of forms—including tablets, softgels, capsules, chewables and liquids
• Some products are emulsified for maximum absorption and utilization
• Children’s formulations also available

What Else Should I Know?

Lack of sun exposure due to people spending more time indoors has resulted in widespread suboptimal levels of vitamin D (one study found an overall US deficiency rate of more than 41%)