Vitamin D and the Importance of Sun Exposure

Is sun exposure as bad as we are told? Or is it crucial to our survival? By Becci Kay
 
Vitamin D regulates calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood, aiding bone formation and mineralization and keeping our bones and skeleton strong. The best source (which we often get told is our worst enemy) is sun exposure.
 
This quite controversial statement has been researched for many years and a Harvard professor even suggested that “vitamin D may prevent 30 deaths for each one caused by skin cancer” Mercola (2005).
 
Mercola (2008) suggests that ideally we want to spend 10 to 15 minutes a day in the sun with at least 40% of our skin showing with minimum or no sunscreen on. During the hot summer months this is best done in the morning before the sun gets too hot. Two crucial points to remember however are:
- Never stay in the sun long enough to get burnt
- Never use tanning beds
After 20 minutes in the sun lighter-skinned people no longer produce vitamin D so from this perspective there is no point continuing.
 
Sun on the skin is the best form of exposure as it is the most natural. Clearly in the UK, at times, it can be very challenging to get enough sun exposure to increase Vitamin D production. Supplementation is the next best thing but make sure it is D3 and not D2. Vitamin D3 can be found naturally in foods such as fish, liver and eggs.
 
Studies done on darker-skinned people in the USA have found that many are deficient in Vitamin D even though they live in a sunny environment. Interestingly, this is because darker-skinned people need more sun exposure than lighter-skinned people. (Mercola, 2008)
 
Issue 6 discussed Stress and the importance of getting more time for you. Why not try combining this with some time in the sun. If you can spend 10 minutes a day outside, feeling the sun on your face, relaxing and reflecting on everything that’s great in your life then that will reduce stress and increase your vitamin D levels. 
 
What a pleasurable way towards a healthier lifestyle!
 
References:
·         Dr Mercola (March 27th 2008) Even if you live in sub tropical environments you can be deficient in Vitamin D.
·         Dr Mercola (January 1st 2008) Experts start agreeing – more Vitamin D is better.
·         Dr Mercola (June 7th 2005) Critics now accept the sun to be the healthiest source of Vitamin D.