Vitamins are defined as organic substances enabling the body to function properly. Brian Ngac, 10, is one of many students exposed to this information. “I know what a vitamin is because it was taught to me in Mr. Romano’s class.”

As for Vitamin D, it is a fat soluble vitamin that is present in a variety of foods. It is essential for the body in order to maintain strong bones, calcium absorption and a healthy immune system. Vitamin D can enter the body through ultra violet rays produced by sunlight. Vitamin D obtained from sun exposure, food, and supplements undergo two hydroxylations in the body. Organs such as the liver convert Vitamin D to calcidiol, while the kidney converts it into calcitriol, both used to treat and prevent low calcium levels.

There are many foods that provide Vitamin D. Dairy products such as milk, calcium fortified fruit juices, fish, beef and mushrooms are all included. Eboni Travers, 12, admits to ignoring recommended foods loaded with Vitamin D. “I don’t eat healthy but I try.”

It is important to have an adequate amount of Vitamin D intake. Vitamin D does so much for the body. Not only does it affect the bones and immune system, but also maintains bone density and growth. The nervous system is also able to function appropriately.

Without Vitamin D, calcium supplements from pills are useless. Calcium is a mineral found in milk products and green leafy vegetables. With the absence of Vitamin D, calcium can’t promote advantages such as a lowered blood pressure. When asked if any of the products listed where apart of her vitamin intake, Fiona East, 10, replied by saying, “Milk is one of my favorite drinks; I think I get enough vitamin D.” As for Susanna Kelly, 11, it is the opposite. “I lack vitamin D. I do drink milk, but I stay inside my basement a lot.”

Insufficiency of Vitamin D includes osteoporosis, a disease in which the bones become fragile and are more likely to break. “I knew that we could receive vitamin D from the sun, but I didn’t know you could get osteoporosis.” Ngac said. Cancer is also another issue with the lack of Vitamin D. If one stays outside in the sunlight for too long ultra violet rays become harmful, causing skin cancer. Overall, eating the recommended foods and a little sun exposure will give you Vitamin D.