New information about vitamin D's role in health is being published almost daily. Here are the key functions of vitamin D, divided into those that are firmly established, those for which there is growing evidence, and those that are proposed but not yet confirmed.
It's firmly established that vitamin D
Facilitates absorption of calcium from your diet; essential for normal healthy bones
Prevents osteoporosis, osteomalacia, and rickets
There is growing evidence that vitamin D may
Contribute to a normal healthy immune system
Prevent autoimmune diseases
Protect the body from cancer, especially breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers
Vitamin D is showing promise that it may
Protect the heart from heart attacks and heart failure
Prevent both type 1 and type 2 diabetes
Prevent asthma
Prevent Alzheimer's disease
Prevent Parkinson's disease
