New Research Says This Essential Vitamin Can Help Prevent Inflammatory Diseases

And according to new research published in the journal PLOS One1, when it comes to combating inflammation, there's one mighty vitamin you don't want to miss. Here's what to know.

For this study, researchers wanted to investigate the connection between vitamin D levels and C-reactive protein (CRP) in older adults. CRP is a protein produced by the liver that increases when there's inflammation present in the body.

"In conclusion, older adults with deficient vitamin D status had higher levels of inflammation as measured by CRP," the study authors write, adding that given inflammation is an important pathological driver of chronic diseases of aging, plus the fact that research shows vitamin D therapy can reduce inflammation in some disease settings, "optimising vitamin D status could represent an effective low-risk/low-cost pathway to modulate inflammation in community-dwelling older adults."

Most people think of sunshine and fortified foods when they think vitamin D. And while both are pieces of the puzzle, it's unlikely that getting outside and drinking milk will leave you with optimal vitamin D levels. Luckily, vitamin D supplements can help fill the gap. If you're going to start incorporating some into your routine, you'll want to go for a quality, research-backed vitamin D supplement with the recommended daily value or more, plus targeted ingredients for absorption. (Here's a roundup of our top picks if you're curious.)

Inflammatory diseases are becoming increasingly common—as is vitamin D deficiency. And according to this research, the two could go hand in hand, so consider this one more reason to get outside (and remember to take your vitamin D).