The many health benefits of vitamin D -- especially its positive effects on diabetes, heart health, breast and colon cancer -- are relatively well known. However, a recent study has found that -- especially for expectant mothers -- vitamin D could be even more important.

Most alarming is that mothers who have low levels of vitamin D are five times more likely to suffer preeclampsia during pregnancy -- a condition that raises blood pressure, causes swelling of the hands and feet, and can lead to fetal death.

As such, researchers have recommended that "Vitamin D supplementation in early pregnancy should be explored for preventing preeclampsia and promoting neonatal well-being."

Especially when you consider that 7 percent of first pregnancies are effected by preeclampsia, this seems like sound advice.