Researchers say not getting enough vitamin D could be deadly.

By Nicole Boone
WBTW News13 Anchor
Published: June 26, 2008

The sun is the best source for vitamin D.  Researchers say not getting enough vitamin D could be deadly.  They warn people with a deficiency are as much as twice as likely to die from any cause, including cardiovascular disease, compared to people whose blood shows higher levels.

Doctors say hardly any of us get enough of the vitamin, which can be gained through diet, supplements, or even spending more time in the sun.

Very few foods contain vitamin D.  Those that do include salmon, tuna and fish liver oils.  Cheese and egg yolks contain small amounts of vitamin D.

The National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements says vitamin D is essential for promoting calcium absorption in your body, promotes bone growth in children, and protects older adults form osteoporosis.