NothingFishy logo
NothingFishy logo

All articles

Do we naturally get Vitamin D from the sun?Updated a year ago

When the skin is exposed to UVB rays from the sun, the body can synthesise Vitamin D3. However, there are several factors that can impact the body's ability to produce Vitamin D from the sun, such as:

Location: People who live in areas with less sunlight or those who spend most of their time indoors may have a harder time getting enough Vitamin D from the sun.

Time of day: The body is most efficient at producing Vitamin D during peak sunlight hours, which typically occur between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Skin colour: Melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour, can reduce the skin's ability to produce Vitamin D from the sun. People with darker skin may require more sun exposure to produce the same amount of Vitamin D as someone with lighter skin.

Sunscreen use: While sunscreen is important for protecting the skin from damage, it can also reduce the skin's ability to produce Vitamin D from the sun. Therefore, while sun exposure is a natural and effective way to get Vitamin D, it is not always reliable. It is important to practice safe sun exposure and to ensure that you are getting enough Vitamin D from other sources, such as food or supplements.

Was this article helpful?
Yes
No