No physical is complete without your doctor telling you to take more Vitamin D. The vitamin has long been associated with a decreased risk of a number of conditions, such as osteoporosis and hypertension, in addition to keeping bones strong by helping the body absorb calcium -- which is why many use it during the dark winter months. A recent study from New Zeeland says there’s no evidence of this benefit and doctors who prescribe it for those reasons should stop. Internist Dr. Rosemary Bates says that low Vitamin D has been linked with depression, dementia, diabetes, and some kinds of cancer. “We make vitamin D in our skin – but as we age, the process doesn’t work as well.”
She is adamant that even though it may not actually be helpful with bone problems like the study says - she will continue to prescribe it to all her patients with lower levels.