Vitamin D is a very important vitamin for body health and also has hormonal functions. On the other hand, vitamin D deficiency continues to be an increasingly common disease. The biggest reason for this is seen as not getting enough sunlight. This situation can be caused by factors such as where the person lives, skin color, and the use of cosmetic products (1, 2). In this article, we will answer the questions of ‘‘How to get vitamin D from the sun and is the sun enough for vitamin D needs?’’. Enjoy reading.
How to Get Vitamin D from the Sun?
Vitamin D has always been a matter of curiosity since it is the only vitamin that can be produced thanks to sunlight. Especially the summer months are seen as the time when many people meet their vitamin D needs. On the other hand, it can be quite difficult to meet their vitamin D needs from the sun in the winter months. For this reason, vitamin D deficiency is a disorder that occurs more frequently in the winter months. However, this does not mean that the more sunlight we receive, the less vitamin D we need. Because excessive exposure to sunlight can also have negative consequences for the body.
To get enough vitamin D from the sun, you will need to get 10-30 minutes of sunlight a few times a week on average. However, these intervals may vary depending on where you live. For example, someone living in Russia may need more sunlight than someone living in Turkey (3, 4)
Is the Sun Enough to Meet Our Vitamin D Needs?
Vitamin D taken from the sun increases calcium absorption, strengthens muscle and fiber bonds and is the key to a healthier and more vigorous body. In today's conditions, there may be days when we stay away from the sun. Although it is not seen as a big problem, this situation can result in vitamin D deficiency.
Although vitamin D is a vitamin that can be taken through foods and nutritional supplements, the importance of the sun is even greater. Because one of the primary tasks of vitamin D, calcium absorption, is provided to the body thanks to sunlight. For this reason, the sun has a great effect on vitamin D and human health. On the other hand, in addition to your daily sunlight need, it is also recommended to use foods and supplements containing vitamin D. Because vitamin D taken from foods also brings many minerals. For this reason, by consuming foods containing vitamin D, you also get the other minerals you need (5, 6).
Where in the Body is Vitamin D Taken from the Sun?
Our body produces vitamin D from sunlight on our skin when we go outside. Especially between March and September, our body can produce the vitamin D it needs thanks to sunlight. The question of ‘‘Where does the body get vitamin D from the sun?’’ also comes into play here.
Our body absorbs the sun rays coming from outside thanks to our skin. Thus, our body converts the sun rays absorbed by our skin into vitamin D. On the other hand, you should not be exposed to the sun rays for a long time to get too much vitamin D. Otherwise, you may encounter problems such as burning on your skin. If there is a situation that requires you to be outside for a long time, you can use sunscreen, wear appropriate clothing and choose places where the sun rays come less frequently, and thus minimize the problems you may experience.
In addition to the precautions you will take, your skin color is also very important. For example, it is recommended that a person with a fair skin receive less sun rays than a person with a dark skin color. A person with a fair skin color can cause severe burns on their body if they are exposed to the sun rays for a long time. This situation can also limit the person’s life (4, 6, 7)
When Should You Take Vitamin D Supplements?
Taking vitamin D from the sun and foods containing vitamin D is very important for our body. In addition, taking vitamin D supplements can also protect your vitamin D balance. On the other hand, the vitamin D test plays a big role in this case. Thanks to the vitamin D test, you will learn the vitamin D values you need and you can start taking supplements. Otherwise, unconsciously taking vitamin D supplements can cause vitamin D excess.
According to the vitamin D test result, vitamin D supplements can be taken under the supervision of a doctor. In addition to the vitamin D diet, vitamin D supplements taken and the sun will completely meet your vitamin D needs (7, 8).
Quality Vitamin D Brands at Bikalite
The safety of the product used in vitamin and other supplementary food purchases is a very important issue. At Bikalite, the documents belonging to the products and manufacturing companies are meticulously examined, and only original products that comply with the quality criteria are offered to you. When used correctly, the quality vitamin D brands at Bikalite meet the daily needs of you and your loved ones and ensure that you are healthier. You can shop at Bikalite with peace of mind.
Source: