The Sunshine Vitamin
Updated: Oct 10
😎 I'm sure most of us have at some point been advised by our doctor either to check our Vitamin D levels or to start spending time out in the sun to optimise our Vitamin D levels.
☀️ Most of us are also aware that the UV rays of the sun are the best natural source of Vitamin D. However, the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation that happens to be the best natural source of vitamin D, is also a major cause of skin cancer. Hence, it is important to remember that prolonged sun exposure does not cause your vitamin D levels to increase further but does increase your risk of skin cancer.
🌞 So, how much sun exposure is enough❓
This depends on a few factors including, the time of the day, the amount of skin exposed to sunlight, the season, your skin type and most importantly the UV index.
🌤️ UV Index❓
The UV Index is an international standard measurement of the strength of UV radiation from the sun at a particular place on a particular day. UV levels are low in the early morning as the sun comes up, gradually increasing to a maximum around the middle of the day and then decreasing slowly as the sun begins to set.
According to the Cancer Council, a UV index of 3 and above only requires a few minutes of exposure to produce a sufficient amount of Vitamin D, even while you have sun protection on. On the contrary, when the UV index is below 3, you could spend more time outside and sun protection is generally not required.
🌻 Where to find the UV index❓
The weather section of your daily newspaper, on the Bureau of Meteorology website, Cancer Council's free SunSmart app.
In Spite of this, there are some of us, who are prone to having low Vitamin D levels due to various factors. Speak to your GP for more information, if you think you are at risk of developing Vit D deficiency or have any symptoms.
For more information please visit the following websites: ⬇️⬇️
https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/vitamin-d
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/vitamin-d#low-vitamin-d