Best Time To Get Vitamin D From The Sun
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in maintaining our overall health. It is known as the "sunshine vitamin" because our bodies produce it in response to sunlight. However, getting enough vitamin D from the sun can be a challenge, especially if you live in a place with limited sunlight or work indoors all day.
So, what is the best time to get vitamin D from the sun? The answer is not as simple as you might think. There are a few factors to consider:
Time of Day
The best time to get vitamin D from the sun is during midday, when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. This is when your skin can produce the most vitamin D in the shortest amount of time. Aim to spend around 15-20 minutes in the sun between 10am and 3pm.
However, be careful not to stay in the sun for too long, as this can increase your risk of skin damage and skin cancer.
Season
The amount of vitamin D your skin can produce from the sun depends on the season. During the summer months, when the sun is stronger, you can produce more vitamin D in a shorter amount of time. In contrast, during the winter months, the sun is weaker, and you may need to spend more time in the sun to get enough vitamin D.
Skin Color
Your skin color also plays a role in how much vitamin D your skin can produce from the sun. People with lighter skin can produce vitamin D more easily than people with darker skin. If you have darker skin, you may need to spend more time in the sun to get enough vitamin D.
Location
The amount of vitamin D you can get from the sun also depends on where you live. If you live closer to the equator, you can produce more vitamin D throughout the year because the sun is stronger. In contrast, if you live farther from the equator, you may need to spend more time in the sun to get enough vitamin D.
Sunscreen
While it is important to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun, using sunscreen can also reduce the amount of vitamin D your skin can produce. If you use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, it can block the skin's ability to produce vitamin D by up to 99%. However, it is still important to use sunscreen to protect your skin from damage and reduce your risk of skin cancer.
Conclusion
The best time to get vitamin D from the sun is during midday, between 10am and 3pm. However, the amount of vitamin D you can produce depends on several factors, including the time of day, season, skin color, location, and sunscreen use. If you are concerned about your vitamin D levels, talk to your healthcare provider about other sources of vitamin D, such as supplements or fortified foods.