Vitamin D, the “sunshine” vitamin, plays a vital role in keeping you healthy, according to the latest research. For many years, doctors believed that the main role of this nutrient was in preventing rickets and maintaining strong bones.

More recently, research has suggested that vitamin D may help prevent colon, prostate and breast cancer. In laboratory tests, vitamin D reduces the growth of abnormal cells and the blood vessels that feed tumors. And in the latest study, breast cancer patients with lower levels of vitamin D had greater death rates than those with higher levels.

New research also shows that low vitamin D levels are related to higher death rates from heart disease and other causes. In fact, the death rate was twice as high in those patients with the lowest levels of this important nutrient.

However, experts issue this WARNING:  Up to 2,000 international units of vitamin D appears to be safe. However, megadoses of vitamin D in pill form can be dangerous. And exposure to too much sunshine increases the risk of skin cancer.

Research into the role of nutrition in maintaining good health and preventing disease is continuing at a rapid pace, and we will continue to bring you the latest highlights.