10. Prevents Bone Disease

Vitamin D deficiency is the main cause of rickets, a disease in babies, children, and teens, characterized by the delayed hardening of bones and formation of cartilage. Because of this, overall growth becomes delayed, causing smaller statures with deformities particularly in the long bones of the legs.

Another condition caused by lack of vitamin D is osteomalacia, a disease more commonly found in adults where the bones become soft and brittle. In pregnant women, low vitamin D concentrations can cause developmental problems, particularly in the skeletal formation of fetuses.