The vitamin D status of the German population is alarming: A 2008 study showed that more than half suffer from vitamin D deficiency; among those over 65, the figure was as high as 75%. Such a deficiency can have consequences as serious as those of being overweight, lack of exercise, and smoking. Just a few minutes of morning sun each day are enough to prevent a deficiency – a dose that is completely safe, even for light-sensitive people with fair skin! It has long been known that vitamin D protects children from rickets and adults from osteoporosis. Recent studies show that vitamin D also helps prevent many diseases, such as cancer, heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, and arthritis. Vitamin D is now being used to treat these diseases.