The importance of Vitamin D

Vitamin D is an integral vitamin of the body, found to be involved in many physiological processes throughout the body. A deficiency can lead to many health issues such as bone loss, fatigue, and exacerbation of other health issues. Vitamin D deficiency has been found to be so prevalent, it's even considered a pandemic(1). 

Here in the northeast we find that Vitamin D deficiencies are even more of an issue due to the changing seasons. Because Vitamin D is produced by the body in sunlight, we have a natural tendency to test at lower levels.

Recently testing has shown that patients who test positive for COVID-19 and have a Vitamin D deficiency have more adverse outcomes (2). This could be because Vitamin D deficiency is important to the immune system.

Why it's important to not be Vitamin D deficient

Vitamin D is responsible for calcium deposits and thus important for healthy bones. It is also important for your immune system.

How can you test for Vitamin- D deficiencies

A standard lab test such as a blood panel can be completed by your PCP or outpatient facility can determine your Vitamin D levels.

How to get Vitamin D

The good news is Vitamin D is produced by the body when in sunlight. When this is not the case, many foods naturally have Vitamin D. Many fish such as salmon and sardines, egg yolks, and fortified foods such as milk, as well as meat. 

Lastly, the easiest way to get Vitamin D is through supplements. These can be purchased at many retailers as well as our office.




1. Holick MF. The vitamin D deficiency pandemic: Approaches for diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Rev Endocr Metab Disord. 2017 Jun;18(2):153-165. doi: 10.1007/s11154-017-9424-1. PMID: 28516265.
2. Mitchell F. Vitamin-D and COVID-19: do deficient risk a poorer outcome? Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2020 Jul;8(7):570. doi: 10.1016/S2213-8587(20)30183-2. Epub 2020 May 20. PMID: 32445630; PMCID: PMC7239633.