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? 

Fibromyalgia News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.