According to a recent study people with heart disease who lack vitamin D are more likely to be depressed as compared to others with enough levels of the "sunshine vitamin". The study was presented at the annual meeting of the American Heart Association in Orlando.

Vitamin D is produced in the human body only during exposure to sunlight and it takes about 15 minutes a day to produce an optimum amount. Vitamin D naturally occurs in fish, this vitamin helps the bones better absorb calcium and is also added to multivitamins and milk.

"We produce vitamin D in response to sunlight, and we get vitamin D supplements in milk or pills but in Utah we are not getting enough", says Doctor Brent Muhlestein of the Intermountain Medical Centre. As per the study of more than 27 thousand patients being low on vitamin D can have a disastrous effect on their health. The study revealed just how large a role vitamin D has in maintaining a healthy heart. Experts have agreed that the deficiency of vitamin D doubles the risk of cardiovascular problems. This deficiency can lead to a 50-60 percent higher risk of having a heart attack or stroke and 67 percent more likelihood to be dead in two years. Dr. Muhlestein says that the reason for vitamin D deficiency is partly due to a lack of sun exposure but he does not recommend sepnding more time in the sun because of the risk of skin cancer.

He, however, suggests consumers to have their vitamin D level tested and take daily supplements if needed.