Take advantage of the longer daylight hours and stay outside to combat what some call a "silent epidemic," vitamin D deficiency among many Americans.

A growing body of research points to vitamin D, commonly called the "sunshine vitamin," as a key nutrient for children’s health that may prevent low bone density and the development of rickets, but it also may benefit older Americans as well.

A study found that a chronic deficiency in the vitamin, usually occurring during the darker winter months, may be "a culprit in heart disease, high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome," said Dr Sue Penckofer.

More vitamin D may also aid in reducing inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis, and for women, the vitamin has been shown to stimulate a protein that inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells.

For those who can’t get outside because of work or other time concerns, other good sources of vitamin D include dairy products, cod liver oil, some fish such as mackerel and sardines, and nutritional supplements.