Why do I need vitamin D?
Your body needs vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin, for general growth. It also maintains proper levels of calcium and phosphorus and helps build your baby's bones and teeth.

How much do I need?

Women need 10 mcg of Vitamin D daily when pregnant or nursing.

Do I need a supplement?
It's unlikely. Vitamin D is added to milk, it's readily available in fish liver oils, and unless you live in a cave, you'll get plenty from being out in the sun for 15 minutes a day. If you live in a geographic region where you don't see the sun for a substantial portion of the year and you also never drink milk, talk with your healthcare provider about a supplement.

What are the best food sources?

 3 oz. herring: 35 mcg

 1 tablespoon cod liver oil: 34 mcg

 3 oz. mackerel: 8 mcg

 3 oz. salmon: 8 mcg

 3 oz bluefin tuna: 4 mcg

 1 cup milk: 2 mcg

What are signs of a deficiency?
Such deficiencies are rare in Western diets. Since vitamin D aids absorption of calcium in the body, a deficiency undermines the body's ability to support its own weight. Children who don't get enough vitamin D can develop rickets or bowed legs.