Vitamin D supplementation may do more than promote healthy bone growth. Researchers at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine have found that vitamin D deficiency plays a crucial role in the severity of a particular lung disease.

A study published in the journal Chest revealed that patients with autoimmune interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) tend to have low levels of vitamin D, which may contribute to the disorder.

Autoimmune ILDs occur when the body attacks the tissues that surround the microscopic alveoli, which are the sacs that exchange carbon dioxide for fresh oxygen with each breath.

When it attacks the lungs, an ILD can cause scarring and may be fatal. The study’s authors suggested that vitamin D supplementation may improve lung function, though they added that further research is needed to determine this.

Previous studies have associated higher levels of vitamin D with reduced asthma rates, faster recovery from tuberculosis and a lower likelihood of osteoporotic hip fractures, heart disease and diabetes.

Daily vitamin D supplements may even reduce the severity of seasonal affective disorder, since the body synthesizes less of it when not exposed to direct sunlight, scientists at Loyola University have said.

Adults should consume approximately 200 micrograms of vitamin D per day, according to the Mayo Clinic.