Vitamin D can be obtained around us, but still there are alot of people who have a deficiency of this nutrient. This vitamin is essential for optimal health, such as maintaining strong and healthy bones. In summer, more parts of the body are exposed to the sun. But how long do we have to be in the sun to obtain enough of this nutrient?
Consequences of vitamin D deficiency
A deficiency of this nutrient has been linked to serious health effects such as: depression, muscle weakness and fatigue. The best way to prevent a deficiency is to ensure that you’re getting enough of this vitamin in your diet and/or through sun exposure. There are foods that naturally have vitamin D in them such as fatty fish and mushrooms. Also fortified foods such as orange juice and breakfast cereals.
How much sun do we need?
In summer, more parts of the body are exposed to the sun, and in these seasons, about 8 to 10 minutes of sun exposure at midday produces the recommended amount of vitamin D. Wearing sunscreen, can decrease the formation of this nutrient by the skin.
But, our fat cells can store vitamin D for months, so worrying about how long you have to be in the sun to obtain enough of this nutrient is not needed! You will still be safe from negative concequences if you got enough sun on the other days.
More sun is needed depending on the darkness of your skin, as melanin acts as as a natural sunscreen. Melanin absorbs the sun’s UV rays to defend against sunburn and skin cancers.
Also, read this article to know what the influences of climate change ”skinmigration”
from Greece (a sunny climate) to the Netherlands (a cold climate) did to Chara’s skin.
