Vitamin D appears has an effect on numerous diseases and disorders, including fibromyalgia,
fertility, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, osteoporosis, and cancers of the breast, prostate, and colon. Unfortunately, a vitamin D deficiency is common in various populations, including infants, pregnant and lactating women, the elderly, individuals living in latitudes far from the equator, and those persons who avoid the sun.
Vitamin D in the food supply is limited and most often inadequate to prevent deficiencies. Supplemental vitamin D is likely necessary to avoid deficiency in winter months. Deficiency symptoms may present as inflammatory diseases, bone metabolism disorders, infectious diseases, and immune imbalances such as autoimmunity.
To determine your status, vitamin D levels may be tested via a blood analysis. Supplementation may be one of the ways to combat this deficiency. The general upper limit for Vitamin D is 2,000 IU daily (some sources say higher). Be sure that you are consulting your doctor before beginning any supplementation regimen.