Benefits
Immune support
A large meta-analysis found vitamin D supplementation reduced the risk of acute respiratory infections, especially in people who were deficient.
Bone health
Vitamin D is required to absorb calcium and maintain strong bones; deficiency contributes to bone loss and fractures.
Whole-body wellness
Vitamin D receptors are found throughout the body, and adequate levels support muscle, mood, and metabolic health.
Mechanism of action
Calcium absorption
Vitamin D enables the gut to absorb calcium and phosphorus, the minerals needed to build and maintain bone.
Immune modulation
Vitamin D supports both the innate and adaptive immune systems, helping the body respond appropriately to infection.
Clinical trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data on vitamin D for preventing acute respiratory infections. (Martineau et al. 2017, BMJ)
Adults and children across many trials.
Vitamin D supplementation reduced the risk of acute respiratory infections, with the greatest benefit in deficient individuals.