Vitamin D is essential for strong bones because it helps the body absorb calcium. Severe cases of vitamin D deficiency could lead to rickets, which can cause soft bones and skeletal deformities. 

There are various symptoms for those who are deficient. They include: 

Noticeable and unexpected weakness

Broken bones

Chronic pain

Feeling slightly depressed or “down-in-the-dumps”

The sun is not the only source of Vitamin D. You can still reap the benefits by eating dairy products fortified with vitamin D. Cod liver oil is also a good source.

Patients who are especially concerned about bone health should consider taking a multivitamin.

If you smoke, quit. Smoking interferes with the absorption of many nutrients.

And if you do go out in the sun,  a fair-skinned person going outside in the midday sun in shorts, and a tank top with no sunscreen will help your body create 10,000 IUs of vitamin D.

Dark-skinned people and the elderly would need more. It’s hard to get enough vitamin D from the sun, especially in the winter, because we are covered up when we go outside to stay warm.  

Dr. Christina Crumbliss, a physician with Aurora Health Care, was a special live guest to discuss vitamin D, Tuesday on the CBS 58 News at 4.