We've all heard about the importance of making sure you have a certain amount of vitamins and minerals each day. 

A huge number of Americans, don't get nearly enough of one important vitamin.

"Recent research has shown that Vitamin D deficiency can be responsible for not only the bone health, the muscle health, but it can also contribute to the development of cardio vascular diseases" that's according to Dr. Jeanne Wei, Director of the Reynolds Institute on Aging at UAMS.

So what does the Vitamin do? Dr. Wei explains, "Vitamin D has a very important role, not only in bone formation, as we previously thought for children, but it has a very important role for adults--Especially older adults, the maintenance of their bone & skeletal muscle health, the maintenance of their strength, and for their cardiovascular health as well."

There are three ways the body acquires Vitamin D: the sun, it's absorbed through your skin, eating certain foods like dairy products or leafy green vegetables,or supplements. But if your level is too low, your doctor may prescribe you medication.  And if you take Vitamin D, it's important to take it with Calcium, so the Vitamin can be absorbed properly.

Doctor Wei says the older we get, the more we need the right amount of Vitamin D, so the next time you go to your doctor, have it checked.