How Does Being Outdoors Impact Vitamin D Levels?

Vitamins are well-known for their role in the human body, yet many people overlook how to acquire them. This is especially significant in the context of vitamin D, often referred to as “the sunshine vitamin.”

In this essay, we’ll look at how the name “sunshine vitamin” came to be, as well as essential information on how to get sufficient vitamin D.

What Is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a required vitamin that aids in a variety of bodily activities. It is best known for the following functions, as stated and validated by the EFSA:

• Maintaining good bone health
• Contributing to the body’s calcium absorption
• Contributing to the body’s ability to fight infections

Vitamin D is the only vitamin and mineral that can be obtained from sunlight. It may also be found in animal fats, which emphasises the need for a balanced diet.

Why Is It Called The Sunshine Vitamin?

Vitamin D is a vitamin that our bodies make when we are exposed to sunlight. It’s also known as “the sunshine vitamin.” The skin generates vitamin D when it is exposed to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Your entire body must be exposed to the sun for 30 minutes in order for your whole system to produce enough vitamin D.

What exactly happens when your cells are exposed to UVB radiation from the sun? Vitamin D synthesis occurs as a result of cholesterol molecules absorbing energy and absorbing vitamin D while the sun’s UVB radiation strikes your skin cells.

Is It Possible to Get Enough Vitamin D from Sunlight Alone?

Vitamin D is available from sunshine and food throughout the year, but it depends on where you live and when winter falls. According to the NHS, spending around 30 minutes outside during the summer should be enough to satisfy your vitamin D needs. In contrast, in the winter, things are a little more complicated.

During the fall and winter months, the sun in the United Kingdom is insufficient to assist our bodies to produce vitamin D. This, combined with less time spent indoors, makes it difficult to obtain sufficient vitamin D from sunlight alone.

Do I Need To Take Vitamin D Supplements?

Taking vitamin D tablets to assure a constant vitamin D intake throughout the darker months is advised.

The UK Department of Health recommends that everyone consider taking daily vitamin D supplements, especially during the fall and winter when there isn’t as much sun or time spent outdoors. Even if you can’t eat a balanced diet or obtain sufficient sunlight, taking this vitamin D supplement will guarantee that your body gets the correct quantity of vitamin D.

Time To Embrace Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is required for a variety of bodily processes, which is why obtaining enough of it each day is so important. You’ll have all you need to acquire adequate amounts if you consume a balanced diet and take vitamin D supplements, as well as expose yourself to sunshine.