Vitamin D plays a number of important roles in the body:
- Calcium regulation: this vitamin is essential for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus which are essential for the maintenance of healthy bones, teeth and cartilage.
- Muscle function: Vitamin D is key in preventing muscle weakness.
- Immune system: this vitamin plays an important role in the body's response to infection and disease.
- Cardiovascular health: vitamin D controls blood pressure and helps prevent atherosclerosis.
- Prevention of chronic diseases: Vitamin D is also involved in the prevention of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, some types of cancer, and some cardiovascular conditions.