Not too long ago, vitamin D was believed to simply play a complementary role in bone health. It was proven to aid in the absorption of calcium, but little else was known about it.

However, clinical knowledge of the benefits of vitamin D has exploded in recent years. Now, studies have shown it to support everything from heart health to immune health. This has boosted the popularity of the nutrient among supplement users.

Dr. Mark Attermeier of the Mayo Clinic told local news station WEAU of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, that he has seen many patients ask him about these benefits in recent years. He said he would like to see further research confirm some of the results that have come out more recently, but that he still encourages many individuals to take vitamin D supplements.

The Office of Dietary Supplements recommends that most adults consume 600 international units of vitamin D each day. However, it can be hard to get that much from diet. This is why nutritional supplements can be so important.