Can you get vitamin D from artificial light?

December 2, 2025 •

4 min read

While sunlight is the body's primary source of vitamin D, many people are unable to get enough due to factors like geography, season, and time spent indoors. This has led to the question: is it possible to get vitamin D from artificial light? The answer is yes, but only with specific types of UV-emitting lamps, not standard household bulbs.

Quick Summary

It is possible to get vitamin D from specific artificial light sources, but not from standard household or SAD lamps. Synthesis requires UVB radiation, which is emitted by specialized medical devices, sunlamps, and tanning beds. However, these methods pose risks and are generally not recommended for routine use. Safe and effective alternatives include dietary sources and supplements.

Key Points

UVB is Required: Vitamin D synthesis in the skin requires specific ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, not the visible light produced by standard indoor lamps.
SAD Lamps Are Ineffective: Light therapy boxes for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) are designed to filter out UV rays and therefore do not produce vitamin D.
Specialized Lamps Exist: Specialized sunlamps, tanning beds, and medical phototherapy devices emit the necessary UVB light and can stimulate vitamin D production.
Risks Outweigh Benefits: The use of artificial UV light for vitamin D synthesis carries significant risks, including an increased likelihood of skin cancer, eye damage, and premature skin aging.
Supplements Are a Safer Alternative: Health experts recommend safer methods for maintaining vitamin D levels, such as supplements, a nutrient-rich diet, and fortified foods.
Glass Blocks UVB Rays: You cannot get vitamin D by sitting near a sunny window, as glass effectively blocks the necessary UVB radiation.

Understanding the Science of Vitamin D Synthesis

Your body produces vitamin D3 when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, with wavelengths between 290 and 315 nanometers (nm). This process converts 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC) in the skin into previtamin D3, which then thermally isomerizes into vitamin D3. Most conventional indoor lighting, including standard LED, incandescent, and fluorescent bulbs, does not emit UVB radiation, making it ineffective for stimulating vitamin D production. Window glass also blocks UVB rays, so sitting near a sunny window will not suffice.

The Role of Specialized Artificial Light

Some artificial light sources are designed to produce the necessary UVB wavelengths. These include:

UVB Phototherapy Lamps: Used under medical supervision to treat conditions like psoriasis, these lamps emit UVB radiation that can also stimulate vitamin D synthesis.
Sunlamps and Tanning Beds: These devices, including older-style mercury arc lamps, emit UVB and are known to increase vitamin D levels. However, their use is associated with significant health risks, including an increased risk of skin cancer.
UVB Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs): Emerging research is exploring the use of UVB-emitting LEDs for vitamin D production, with some studies showing they can be more efficient than natural sunlight. These are not yet widely available for general use.

The Case Against Standard Lamps

Many people confuse bright light therapy lamps, often used for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), with sources of vitamin D. However, most SAD lamps deliberately filter out UV radiation to protect the eyes and skin. Likewise, standard household light bulbs simply do not have the right spectral output.

Comparison of Vitamin D Sources


Source	Effective for Vitamin D?	Key Wavelengths	Pros	Cons
Sunlight	Yes	UVB (290-315 nm)	Natural, free, and efficient under proper conditions	Inconsistent due to season/latitude, UV skin damage risk
Standard Lamps (LED, incandescent)	No	Visible light	Widely available, safe for daily use	No vitamin D synthesis
SAD Lamps	No	Visible light (10,000 lux)	Can improve mood; UV-free	No vitamin D synthesis, often confused with UV lamps
Tanning Beds / Sunlamps	Yes (with UVB)	UVB, UVA	Synthesizes vitamin D3	High skin cancer risk, premature aging
UVB Phototherapy Lamps	Yes	Narrowband UVB (e.g., 293-298 nm)	Effective and controlled dosage	Requires medical supervision, specialized equipment
Oral Supplements	Yes	Not applicable	Consistent dosage, safe	Requires regular intake, not natural synthesis
Fortified Foods	Yes (variable)	Not applicable	Accessible, part of diet	Variable amounts, may not meet needs

The Risks and Dangers of Artificial UV Exposure

While specialized UV lamps can trigger vitamin D synthesis, the risks are substantial. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies UV radiation as a carcinogen, meaning any exposure increases the risk of cancer. This applies to both sunlight and artificial UV sources like tanning beds and sunlamps.

Skin Cancer Risk

Excessive UV exposure from sunlamps and tanning beds significantly raises the risk of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. The risk is dose-dependent, and the use of these devices for cosmetic tanning is particularly dangerous.

Eye Damage

Exposure to UV light without proper eye protection can lead to severe eye conditions, including cataracts and photokeratitis (a painful burn of the cornea). Specialized goggles are essential when using UV-emitting devices.

Premature Skin Aging

UV radiation breaks down collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and premature aging. This effect is noticeable with both UVA and UVB exposure.

Safe and Reliable Alternatives

Given the risks, experts do not recommend using artificial UV light for routine vitamin D production. Much safer and more reliable alternatives are available:

Oral Supplements: Vitamin D3 supplements are a safe and efficient way to ensure adequate intake, especially for those with limited sun exposure. A daily dose of 2,000 IU is often recommended during darker winter months or for those with deficiency.
Dietary Sources: Incorporating foods naturally rich in vitamin D, such as fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel), egg yolks, and certain types of mushrooms, can help.
Fortified Foods: Many foods, including milk, cereal, and orange juice, are fortified with vitamin D and can contribute to your daily needs.

Conclusion

In summary, it is possible to get vitamin D from artificial light, but only from specific devices that emit UVB radiation, like sunlamps or medical phototherapy units. Standard indoor lights and SAD lamps are ineffective for this purpose. The serious health risks associated with artificial UV exposure, particularly the increased risk of skin cancer and eye damage, far outweigh the benefits for most people. For safe and reliable vitamin D, the recommended approach is to combine moderate, unprotected sun exposure with a balanced diet, fortified foods, and oral supplementation as needed. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before using any artificial UV device to ensure proper usage and to determine the most appropriate strategy for your vitamin D needs.

Linus Pauling Institute - Vitamin D information

Frequently Asked Questions

No, despite their name, most commercially available full-spectrum light bulbs primarily emit visible light and do not produce sufficient UVB radiation to stimulate vitamin D synthesis in the skin. The term "full-spectrum" is often an advertising claim and does not guarantee UV output.

While tanning beds do emit UVB and can raise vitamin D levels, they are not a recommended source due to the significant health risks involved. Using tanning beds drastically increases your risk of developing skin cancer, and safer alternatives like supplements exist.

The safest and most recommended way to maintain adequate vitamin D levels indoors is through oral supplementation and consuming a diet rich in fortified foods and natural sources like fatty fish, egg yolks, and UV-treated mushrooms.

Standard light bulbs, whether LED, incandescent, or fluorescent, are engineered to emit light primarily in the visible spectrum. They do not produce the specific UVB wavelengths (290-315 nm) required for the skin to synthesize vitamin D3.

While UVB LEDs have shown potential in lab settings to produce vitamin D efficiently, they are not yet widely available for general consumer use. Like other artificial UV sources, they carry risks of skin and eye damage, so use should only be considered under strict medical guidance.

Yes, skin pigmentation affects the efficiency of vitamin D synthesis. Individuals with darker skin tones have more melanin, which acts as a natural sunscreen, reducing the amount of UVB radiation that penetrates the skin. This means they require longer exposure to UV light to produce the same amount of vitamin D as someone with lighter skin.

For most people, brief, regular sun exposure (5-30 minutes, 2-3 times per week) on the face, arms, and legs during peak sun hours is enough. However, this varies based on latitude, season, time of day, and skin type. In winter or northern latitudes, it can be difficult to get sufficient UVB for synthesis.