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

It’s commonly known that vitamin D helps maintain strong bones, helps the body absorb calcium and can improve heart health. But a recent study indicates vitamin D — specifically, vitamin D3 — can even help reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Well, turns out vitamin D has another trick up its sleeve -- lowering the risk of getting COVID-19. A new study out of the University of Chicago worked to examine whether the last vitamin D status before COVID-19 testing is associated with COVID-19 test results. Researchers found that people with untreated vitamin D deficiencies were 77% more likely to test positive for the coronavirus. The authors also say that people should not rely on vitamin D alone to protect them. Read the full study titled Association of Vitamin D Status and Other Clinical Characteristics With COVID-19 Test Results here.

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.