Which vitamin is known as the "sunshine vitamin"?

Vitamin D is known as the "sunshine vitamin" because it is produced by the body in response to sunlight exposure. When ultraviolet rays from the sun hit the skin, they facilitate the conversion of cholesterol into vitamin D. This process is crucial for maintaining bone health, as vitamin D helps with the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which are essential minerals for bone formation. Additionally, vitamin D plays important roles in immune function and has been linked to various health outcomes, such as mood regulation and the prevention of certain chronic diseases. This unique synthesis process from sunlight is what earns vitamin D its nickname, distinguishing it from other vitamins that do not require UV exposure for their production.