Vitamin D is a popular vitamin these days. It’s well known that Vitamin D is great for bone and muscle health, but now you come across some far-reaching claims about this sunshine vitamin. Can they all be true – especially when it comes to cancer, disease and respiratory illnesses?  

According to Helen Bond, spokesperson for the British dietetic Association, the research surrounding Vitamin D and the musculoskeletal system “is really good and really strong.” This is partially due to the fact that Vitamin D plays an important role in supporting the body’s absorption of calcium and phosphate for strong muscles and bones.

Vitamin D is also present in a large amount of bodily cells, suggesting that it plays a big role in overall health and wellness. Not only is it a widespread nutrient found throughout the body, but it also carries anti-cancer, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, according to Martin Hewison, a professor of molecular endocrinology at the University of Birmingham, England.

These Vitamin D traits are what allow it to help prevent against certain conditions, including tuberculosis, autoimmune disease, respiratory infections and even cancer.

However Hewison points out that “once a disease is settled in, it is unlikely you are going to be able to give somebody who has got prostrate cancer Vitamin D and it s going to get dramatically better.”

The takeaway therefore, seems to be that it’s important to avoid a Vitamin D deficiency to help stave off serious illnesses. Otherwise, the research suggests that Vitamin D is unable to reverse certain conditions once they take root in the body.