While researchers have known for many years that vitamin D promotes bone health by boosting calcium absorption, some in the scientific community have also suspected that vitamin D can improve health in other ways. A statement recently published by The Endocrine Society sheds light on past studies that have shown how vitamin D may improve immune function, hypertension, stroke and skin conditions, and calls for more research to be conducted.

"We need large randomized controlled trials and dose-response data to test the effects of vitamin D on chronic disease outcomes including autoimmunity, obesity, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease," said Clifford Rosen, M.D. of Tufts University School of Medicine and chair of the task force that authored the statement.

Past research that topical and oral vitamin D supplements may potentially help control skin disorders such as psoriasis. Furthermore, the scientists said that evidence suggests that there is a possibility that vitamin D supplementation may lower cardiovascular disease risk. With all these possible benefits, it's important for more studies to be conducted on vitamin D.