(BLACK PR WIRE) -- Having strong bones should be every person’s goal. After all, bones give our body the support and stability we need to stand tall. If you’re one of those people who think that bones are physically stable and permanent structures of our body, think again! Bones can and do become brittle.

So, what role does vitamin D play? When it comes to the Big D, do we have a deficiency? Research says yes. Low vitamin D levels among young African-Americans participating in a recent study were more common than in several previous investigations, university and Agricultural Research Service (ARS) nutrition experts have found.

As it relates to vitamin D, many people don’t know that it is not actually a vitamin. The name is a misnomer from early in the century when the original experiments characterizing its functions and chemistry were first described. Speaking of its chemistry, it’s not a simple one. Vitamin D enters our bodies in two forms. The most plentiful form is cholecalciferol or vitamin D3 which is obtained primarily through synthesis by ultraviolet light (UVB) in the skin, from where it then translocates into our circulation. Consequently, most of our physiological requirements for vitamin D are provided for by casual exposure to sunlight, although most people aren’t aware of it. The other form, ergocalciferol or vitamin D2 is primarily acquired by vegetable dietary intake (www.vitamin-d.com).

So, what happens when vitamin D deficiencies do occur? Some of the health problems associated with vitamin D deficiency include certain types of cancer, high blood pressure, depression and immune system disorders, just to name a few.

With these kinds of serious consequences, we need to ensure that there’s no deficiency when it comes to vitamin D. To ensure strong bones, we need to partake of good sources such as vitamin D-fortified milk and juices as well as fatty fish, and sunshine. Then, we can all stand tall.