Despite it being much needed for strong immune systems and healthy bones and teeth, almost half of the world's population does not get enough vitamin D. Around 42 percent of us have less than 20 nanograms of "the sunshine vitamin" per milliliter of blood, which is the amount required for survival.

Vitamin D deficiency 

A blood test from your doctor is the only way to find out if have a vitamin D deficiency. Nevertheless, if you can't perform the test, look for vitamin D sources anyway because there’s a good chance you need it.

How to increase vitamin D levels 

Sun, sun, bask in the sun 

Getting exposed to the sun is the most efficient way to increase your vitamin D levels.

However, relying solely on the sun is impractical. According to Steven Clinton, a medical professor at Ohio State University, you need 15 to 20 minutes of sunbathing without sunscreen per day to get enough vitamin D, which is unrealistic for most people.

Eat vitamin D foods

Vitamin D is found naturally in some foods, including fatty fish, egg yolks, cheese, and mushrooms, according to the University of Texas Health Science Center. 

Also, you can look for vitamin D-fortified foods at the grocery store, such as milk, yogurt, orange juice, and cereal.

Take your Vitamin D supplements

Vitamin D is available in a variety of multivitamins and supplements. A comprehensive list can be found on HealthLine. Doctors recommend 800 to 1000 international units (IU) per day.

Keep in your mind that too much sun can damage your eyes and skin, as well as cause cancer, not to mention that taking too much vitamin D on a daily basis can cause calcium buildup in your blood.

In a nutshell

Vitamin D supports critical aspects of our health, but its deficiency is difficult to detect. As summer approaches, bask in the sun — safely — to absorb this essential ingredient for living a healthy life.