The beneficial biological actions of vitamin D support just about every physiological system in your body – brain health, cognitive function and nervous system health, gut health and immunity, healthy digestive system, heart health and cardiovascular function, hair and skin health, skeletal health, bone metabolism and others.

But some people are at risk of vitamin D deficiency.

These include dark-skinned people who have reduced ability to absorb ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from the sun; people who lack sun exposure (people who live in areas of high pollution, work night shifts or are homebound); infants who have not been breastfed; older adults whose skin's ability to synthesize vitamin D decreases with age; those with health conditions that limit fat absorption; people with high levels of body fat; or people who are vegan and avoid foods that are rich in vitamin D.

Fortunately, they can use vitamin D supplements to help address that issue. Vitamin D supplements are available in capsules, sprays, chewables and drops.

Studies have identified key areas where vitamin D supplements can be of help. They are:

Oxidative balance

A study in Pharmacological Research highlighted the positive effect of vitamin D supplementation on reducing oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation.