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A lot of people could use some more vitamin D as we head into winter.
In winter months, many people stay indoors more because it gets cold and dark earlier in the evening. That means our bodies don't see much sunlight, and the sunlight we do see has weak intensity. That makes it harder for our bodies to naturally produce vitamin D.
"Besides helping with bone mass, it also helps prevent heart disease, various types of cancer, kidney disease," said Utah County Health Department spokesperson Lance Madigan.
He says a doctor can give you a test to check your vitamin D level if you think you might be short.
Many in the medical field also recommend vitamin D supplements during winter, but say don't overuse them because too much can harm you.
Multiple studies show a lot of people aren't getting enough vitamin D in the winter.
E-mail: rjeppesen@ksl.com
