Tag: Vitamin d3 synthesis

Over one billion people worldwide have a vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency, making understanding its production crucial for public health. This process begins in the skin, but a common source of confusion lies in the distinction between cholecalciferol and previtamin D. While related, they are not the same substance, but rather consecutive steps in the body's sun-induced vitamin D manufacturing process.

The body can produce its own vitamin D3 when exposed to sunlight, with various studies suggesting that a small amount of daily or bi-weekly exposure can be sufficient for most individuals. The critical question of how long to stay in sun for vitamin D3 depends on several factors, including your skin tone, location, and the time of day.