If you're a health-news buff, you know that getting enough of this vitamin is vital to your bones and just about every other body part: vitamin D.

Adequate amounts not only reduce fracture risk and maintain muscle strength but also appear to -- among other things -- protect your heart, reduce diabetes risk, and lower the odds of certain cancers.

36 Ways Your Body Benefits
Recent research identified key physiological functions in which vitamin D plays a pivotal role. And the list was long, including such diverse processes as immune system function, insulin secretion, blood pressure regulation, and brain development. In addition, 36 different organ tissues contain cells that respond to vitamin D. Given the total-body impact, it's no wonder that D is making headlines as the vitamin of the year. Get the latest from the YOU Docs on the science of vitamin D and how it fights disease.

Let the Sunshine In
Is your D intake up to par? You can get it from tuna and salmon and fortified foods like milk and orange juice. But sunlight is often your best source, which is probably why most people don't get enough -- especially during darker winter months. (Find out what amount of sun exposure is considered safe.) The RealAge Scientific Advisory Board recommends getting 1,000 international units (IU) daily if you're under 60 years of age and 1,200 IU if you're over 60. Just stay below 2,000 IU daily from food and supplements combined. Find out how much younger you might be if you get adequate amounts of D.

RealAge Benefit: Getting 1,000 international units of vitamin D if you're under 60 years of age and 1,200 IU if you're over 60 can make your RealAge as much as 1.3 years younger.

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