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The role of native vitamin D in the bone tissue physiology is clear not only as an essential nutrient able to treat and prevent rickets but also as a regulator of calcium and phosphate homeostasis, as of bone metabolism. A wide spectrum of biological activities has been described, including effects on cardiovascular, central nervous, and immunological systems, in the cellular growth, as in the control of other hormonal systems. Epidemiological evidences have linked vitamin D deficiency with many other diseases as cancer, diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, autoimmune diseases, infections and mortality increase. Overall, this information boosted the use of vitamin D in different clinical settings, without strong scientific evidences, even in doubtful clinical situations. However, clinical trials are showing inconsistent results, putting into question the widespread use of vitamin D. This article presents a review about vitamin D and lists some key scientific evidence on the real benefits of supplementation in humans in various conditions. enefícios de sua suplementação em seres humanos em diversas condições.