Vitamin D is often called the "sunshine vitamin" mostly because we can get it naturally when the sun's UV rays interact with our skin, which triggers the vitamin's synthesis. The VIP vitamin aids our body's absorption of calcium to keep our bones strong and encourage healthy cells to grow. Here are a few more health benefits of this versatile vitamin, according to healthline.com: 1. Fights Depression Studies have found that people with depression are often deficient in vitamin D and that depression gets better after taking a vitamin D supplement. 2. Fights Disease Recent studies indicate that vitamin D can reduce the risk of major diseases such as multiple sclerosis, heart disease, influenza, diabetes, and many more. 3. Helps With Weight Loss According to research, vitamin D and calcium supplements can aid in weight loss. Research subjects who took the supplements reported more weight loss than subjects who took placebos. MORE: Did you know that exercise can decrease pain in fibromyalgia patients? 4. Affects Genes It is believed that vitamin D affects over 2,000 genes in the body — which can help protect against cancers. 5. Improves Muscle Strength It is widely accepted that vitamin D helps to keep bones and teeth strong, but now we know that muscle strength can also be affected this nutrient. 6. Keeps Mom and Baby Safe During Pregnancy Taking a vitamin D supplement while pregnant could help to reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia for the mom, and rickets in the child. 7. Eases Fibromyalgia Symptoms A lot of fibromyalgia patients have a vitamin D deficiency. Taking a supplement could help with many of the symptoms associated with the disease. MORE: Could changing to a gluten-free diet help with your fibromyalgia symptoms?