The latest nutritional supplement under the spotlight is vitamin D, the so-called sunshine vitamin.

Along with protecting the heart, bones, and preventing diabetes, growing evidence suggests vitamin D may play a role in warding of diseases like cancer.

Many nutrition experts agree that we need more of the vitamin. But what's the best way to get it has turned into a sizzling debate over the risks and benefits of sun exposure.

An American Academy of Dermatology survey finds on average ten percent of Americans in their 40s, 50s, 60s, even 70s, hit the tanning bed.

Sunlight, even artificial, is a prime source of vitamin D, a nutrient that helps the body absorbs calcium and one a growing body of research suggests may also help prevent disease, everything from cancer to diabetes.

But up to half of the population is not getting enough.

Oily fish like salmon and fortified milk are among the few dietary sources of vitamin D. That leaves supplements and sunshine, unless of course you wear sunscreen. According to the Duke Diet Center, sunscreen is preventing the vitamin D from being absorbed.

While some argue limited sun exposure without sunscreen may be beneficial, this recommendation has been getting heat from major skin and cancer organizations, noting the rise in skin cancer.

One point all parties do agree upon, people aren't getting enough of the sunshine vitamin.