If you’re vitamin D-deficient, taking a vitamin D3 supplement could offer potential benefits, experts say. But how often do you actually need to take it, and who should avoid it?

You can also absorb D3 from food, including fish, beef, and cheese. Plus, your skin naturally produces vitamin D3 when exposed to the sun. Still, vitamin D deficiency is common.

Vitamins D3 or D2 can be used, but D3 is thought to be more effective according to the NIH. If you wish to improve your kidney function, consult your doctor about adding vitamin D3 to your diet.

During the winter, pay attention to the amount of sun you get. If needed, take supplements to experience the vitamin D3 benefits for men, women and children discussed below.

If you take a vitamin D3 supplement, you get all of the benefits of the sun without the worry of sunburn. The body produces D3 when the sun hits your skin, but the sun can also harm your skin, so ...