Breaking Down Food: Vitamins Explained

Why Is It Important? Vitamin D has grabbed headlines in recent years. It’s important for bone health because one of its main functions is helping the body absorb calcium. It is also important for a healthy immune system, nerves and muscles. Kids deficient in vitamin D may develop the bone disease rickets. Adults with too little vitamin D may develop osteoporosis.

Foods: Vitamin D is not naturally found in most food, but it is in some fish, dairy products and mushrooms. However, to combat rickets in the 1930s, a fortified milk program began. Companies began enriching milk with vitamin D, and now some orange juice and cereal companies do, too. The body can also make vitamin D naturally with sun exposure.