Recent studies concluded that one billion people world-wide are vitamin D deficient or insufficient.  This leads to a host of diseases including osteoporosis, muscle weakness, fractures, cancer, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases and cardiovascular diseases.

Without vitamin D only about 10-15 percent of dietary calcium and about 60 percent of phosphorus is absorbed by the body. This is directly related to bone mineral density which is responsible for osteoporosis and fractures, as well as muscle strength and falls in adults. In utero and childhood, calcium and vitamin D deficiency prevents the maximum deposition of calcium in the skeleton.

Whereas, sufficient levels of vitamin D will increase one's stamina and endurance, muscle strength and functionality, increase bone density, and promote a fit healthy body.  This is because Vitamin D is a steroid hormone that works in much the same way as testosterone.  It is a "mother hormone" or precursor to other health promoting hormones within the body. 

It is important to note that this article of Dr. Michael Holick's was written with intentions of educating our very own physicians on the importance of sufficient levels of vitamin D in humans.  Sufficient levels of Vitamin D can be obtained through whole foods, moderate sun exposure (10 min. a day over your hands, face, and arms) and supplementing with 1,000 IU a day.

And remember; it's the little things (like this vitamin) that add up to achieving great success in the long run.