I am always amazed at how intricate the human body's systems are and in particular about our largest organ, the skin. How wonderful to know that our bodies can manufacture the Vitamin D requirements it needs directly from the sun, specifically via UVB rays. When these rays hit our skin a reaction takes place in the epidermis (the outer layer of skin) to create this vital hormone.
However, when the sun makes the occasional appearance we are being told to cover up using sunblock. Applying sunscreen stops the UVB rays and hence our Vitamin D supply dead in its tracks.
So what are we to do?
Vitamin D can also be obtained from foods such as oily fish; salmon, tuna, mackerel, also eggs, red meat and some fortified cereals. The amounts of vitamin D varies and are relatively low and as a whole do not supply enough for adequate health.
Supplements are also available which have wide ranges of strengths. This is a safe and reliable source of the vitamin.
However, ultimately the best source is still from sunlight. There is world wide concern that people are becoming more deficient in vitamin D. This can lead to medical issues such as rickets in children and weak bones and sometimes heart problems in adults. Also studies have suggested vitamin D deficiency can lead to diabetes and some types of cancer.
In the winter months, many people feel under the weather due to catching viruses and having a low mood. Maybe it is coincidence, but perhaps it is the lack of sunlight why people are more prone to infections and suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It is often noted how much better people feel when the weather is brighter.
Therefore, shouldn't we try to obtain vitamin D in the form nature intended but in the safest possible way? Some guidance suggests that 10 to 15 minutes unprotected time in the sun during the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest (UVB rays can get through our atmosphere then), several times a week should give us sufficient vitamin D. Obviously the exposure times will vary from person to person but there is a safe balance between adequate vitamin D levels and risk of skin cancer.
In the UK, we can only really obtain UVB rays from late March to end of September, but did you know that our bodies can store surplus amounts in our fatty tissues? Whilst an excess of vitamin D taken in a supplement form can lead to toxicity, this can't happen with the vitamin D we obtain from the sun as the body can limit the amount it produces.
I feel that we should be getting our supply from the sun when we can but using supplements in the winter months to replenish our dwindling natural supply. I like Pharmanord Bio-vitamin D3
Michelle x
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