Contrary to popular belief vitamin D is a hormone. Hormones are your body's chemical messengers. Having a deficiency in a hormone can have a lot of negative eff

Contrary to popular belief vitamin D is a hormone. Hormones are your body's chemical messengers. Having a deficiency in a hormone can have a lot of negative effects. There are two sources of vitamin D: food & supplements and synthesis by the body in the skin on exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun. Since a lot of us spend a lot of time indoor or behind glass (which blocks the necessary wavelengths) it's important to monitor it. People with darker skin also need more sun exposure to get the required healthy levels. People living in areas where winters are very dark and very long are also at risk of deficiency.