Vitamin D is essential for our bodies, especially when it comes to bone health, but many people don’t get enough of the so-called “sunshine vitamin” in the winter.

Vitamin D deficiency is extraordinarily common, and most people don’t even realize they’re suffering from it.

Now Vitamin D is making headlines as a possible factor to prevent and treat COVID-19. Vitamin D is vital in allowing your body to absorb calcium to strengthen bones. While at Northwestern University, researchers analyzed data from ten countries and found patients with severe Vitamin D deficiencies were twice as likely to suffer complications from COVID. Too much Vitamin D can be toxic and lead to heart and kidney problems. Two population groups most commonly affected by Vitamin D deficiencies are African Americans and the elderly, the two groups also most impacted by COVID-19.

Having a strong immune system is always important, but it seems to be even more so in the coronavirus pandemic. A strong immune system won’t prevent you from getting the coronavirus, but it does reduce the odds of contracting it and can help you stave it off if there is a positive diagnosis. Here are eight vitamins that help boost your immune system -- and examples of foods that contain them if you don’t want to swallow any supplemental pills, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Notable foods that contain it: There are lot of foods that contain Vitamin C, including orange and grapefruit juice, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, kiwi, spinach, papaya, tomatoes and strawberries. Notable foods that contain it: Chicken, turkey, seafood, beans, broccoli, kale.