The days may be starting to get longer, but the sun is still far too weak for people in most parts of the country to get enough vitamin D from this natural source. With several weeks of winter remaining, it will be important for individuals to look for other sources of this critical nutrient.

The skin produces vitamin D naturally when it is exposed to the sun's ultraviolet rays. However, during the winter, when the northern hemisphere is tipped away from the sun, individuals living in these regions are exposed to inadequate amounts of these rays. This leaves them vulnerable to deficiencies.

Certain beverages have vitamin D added to them, such as orange juice and milk. However, there are relatively few natural food sources. It can be very difficult for a person to get all the vitamin D their body needs from food.

This is why many people turn to nutritional supplements during the winter. These products can give a person a full day's supply of vitamin D, which may support a number of different areas of health. Even though spring may be on the way, now is still a good time to consider supplements.