Best Time To Get Vitamin D From Sun
Getting enough vitamin D is essential for maintaining good health. It helps the body absorb calcium, which is important for keeping bones strong and healthy, and it also plays a role in supporting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and supporting overall cardiovascular health. But when is the best time to get vitamin D from the sun?
Morning Sun
The best time to get vitamin D from the sun is in the morning, specifically between the hours of 8 a.m. and noon. During this time, the sun's rays are at their strongest, which means you can get more vitamin D per minute of exposure. Additionally, exposure to morning sunlight has been shown to help regulate circadian rhythms, improve mood, and support overall health and well-being.
Midday Sun
While midday sun exposure can also be effective for getting vitamin D, it's important to be cautious during these hours. The sun's rays are strongest between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., which means you can get a lot of vitamin D quickly, but it also means you're at a higher risk for sunburn and skin damage. If you do choose to get vitamin D from midday sun, be sure to wear protective clothing and sunscreen to prevent skin damage.
Afternoon Sun
Afternoon sun exposure can also be effective for getting vitamin D, particularly during the hours of 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. However, the amount of vitamin D you can get during these hours is typically lower than what you can get in the morning or midday sun. Additionally, afternoon sun exposure may interfere with sleep patterns and circadian rhythms, so it's important to be mindful of the time of day and how much sun exposure you're getting.
Factors That Affect Vitamin D Absorption
While the time of day is an important factor to consider when getting vitamin D from the sun, there are other factors that can affect how much vitamin D your body absorbs. These include:
- Your skin type: Individuals with lighter skin tend to absorb more vitamin D than those with darker skin.
- Your location: People who live closer to the equator tend to have higher vitamin D levels than those who live farther away.
- The amount of skin exposed: The more skin you have exposed to the sun, the more vitamin D you can absorb.
- The time of year: Vitamin D absorption tends to be highest during the summer months when the sun's rays are strongest.
- Your age: As you age, your skin becomes less efficient at producing vitamin D, which means you may need more sun exposure or vitamin D supplements to maintain healthy levels.
Conclusion
Getting enough vitamin D is important for maintaining good health, but it's important to be mindful of when and how you get it from the sun. While the morning sun is the best time to get vitamin D, midday and afternoon sun exposure can also be effective as long as you take precautions to prevent skin damage. Additionally, other factors like skin type, location, and age can affect how much vitamin D your body absorbs, so it's important to be mindful of these factors as well.