Supplements, sunlight and cereal are some of the ways people soak up vitamin D. The benefits of vitamin D are numerous and include:

• Helping the body absorb vital nutrients

• Providing the calcium necessary to prevent brittle bones, osteoporosis and arthritis

• Reducing inflammation

• Regulating blood pressure and improving cardiovascular strength by providing a protective lining for the blood vessels

• Reducing stress, anxiety and depression

• Improving muscle strength and skin health

• Promoting healthy blood sugar levels

Vitamin D deficiency is dangerous. One clinical trial found that an average 42 percent of Americans are D-deficient, which can lead to a variety of health problems.

But like most things, more is not always better, and too much vitamin D can be dangerous for your health. Fortunately, overdosing on vitamin D is rare, but it is possible if you’re taking supplements. While the vitamin is also known as the “sunshine” vitamin, it’s impossible to overdose from too much sun exposure or a high vitamin D diet. When levels of D reach a potentially toxic amount, your body stops allowing vitamin D production based on sunlight, and foods fortified with vitamin D don’t contain high enough amounts to become toxic.