Colloquially known as the "sunshine vitamin," our bodies make vitamin D when our skin is exposed to sunlight — a built-in production system that hints at just how essential vitamin D is for our health.
However, modern lifestyles that keep us indoors don't lend themselves to getting enough sun for sufficient vitamin D production. As a result, experts estimate that nearly a quarter of Americans aren't getting enough vitamin D.
Despite its significance, questions remain: How much is enough? Can supplements effectively address a deficiency? Is there a benefit to taking more than the recommended amount?
The answers to these questions remain a topic of research and debate among researchers and doctors.
