Skip to content

Tag: Sunlight exposure

Explore our comprehensive collection of health articles in this category.

Why would vitamin D-25 hydroxy be low? Unpacking the causes and solutions

5 min read
According to the National Institutes of Health, over 40% of U.S. adults are vitamin D deficient, which is directly reflected in low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Understanding why would vitamin D-25 hydroxy be low is crucial, as this is the primary storage form of the vitamin measured in blood tests. Low levels can impact bone health, immune function, and overall well-being.

The Truth: What Vitamin Helps Absorb Sunlight?

3 min read
It is a common misunderstanding that a vitamin helps absorb sunlight, but the reverse is true: sunlight helps the body produce a vitamin. Specifically, ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from the sun triggers the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin, a process critical for overall health. This unique relationship explains why vitamin D is often dubbed the "sunshine vitamin".

Which vitamin D deficiency is most common?

4 min read
Vitamin D deficiency affects approximately one billion people globally, making it a significant public health issue. While the biochemical nature of the deficiency is a reduction in circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), the most widespread and common cause stems from inadequate sun exposure.

How much vitamin D did our ancestors get? An evolutionary perspective

2 min read
Studies on modern-day hunter-gatherer populations in East Africa, like the Hadzabe and Maasai, reveal mean serum vitamin D levels of around 115 nmol/L (46 ng/ml). This provides a crucial benchmark for how much vitamin D did our ancestors get and highlights a dramatic shift from current average levels in many industrialized societies.

Which plants give vitamin D? Exploring natural and fortified sources

3 min read
An estimated 1 billion people worldwide are vitamin D deficient, highlighting the importance of understanding dietary sources. For those following a plant-based diet, answering the question of which plants give vitamin D is crucial for maintaining proper health and avoiding deficiency. This article explores natural plant-based options and explains how fortification can bridge the nutritional gap.

Does your body make vitamin D from sunlight?

4 min read
According to the National Institutes of Health, the sun is the primary natural source of vitamin D, and your body can produce this vital nutrient when exposed to sunlight. This unique process is how your body naturally creates a fat-soluble prohormone, which is then converted into its active form for use in the body.

How much sunlight per day to increase vitamin D?

5 min read
According to the National Institutes of Health, short, sensible sun exposure is the most natural way to acquire vitamin D, a crucial nutrient for bone health and immune function. Understanding precisely how much sunlight per day to increase vitamin D is key to balancing health benefits with skin safety.

How to fix low vitamin D 25 with proven strategies

3 min read
An estimated 35% of U.S. adults have a vitamin D deficiency, a widespread issue with serious health implications. Understanding how to fix low vitamin D 25 levels is crucial for preventing complications like bone weakening, fatigue, and muscle pain, thereby significantly improving your quality of life.