Sunlight vs Supplements: Which Is A Better Source Of Vitamin D For Your Health?

Sunlight vs Supplements: Vitamin D is considered to be an essential vitamin for overall well-being. However, in recent times, most people are facing vitamin D deficiencies. The leading causes are a sedentary lifestyle, odd working hours and long hours of staying indoors, which have restricted people from getting exposed to sunlight, the natural source of vitamin D. People are finding alternatives to sunlight and are consuming vitamin D supplements that is available in the market, enabling people to replenish their vitamin D requirement. However, there has always been a debatable question that lingers in the internet about whether sunlight or supplements are a better source of vitamin D for your health.......CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE>>>>>

Sunlight As A Source Of Vitamin D

When the skin is exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from the sun, it synthesises vitamin D. UVB rays convert a cholesterol derivative in the skin known as 7-dehydrocholesterol into vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Vitamin D3 is further processed in the liver and kidneys and becomes the active form of vitamin D that the body uses.

If you expose yourself to sunlight, you need not require to take supplements for vitamin D. Moreover, sunlight exposure varies from person to person, location to location and also from one season to another.

Sun rays are considered strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM and exposure during this time helps produce vitamin D. Individuals having darker skin may require more sunlight as compared to those with lighter skin tone. Moreover, older adults produce less vitamin D in response to sunlight.

Supplements As A Source Of Vitamin D

Vitamin D supplements are two types, namely Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol), which is derived from yeast and fungi and Vitamin D3, which is synthesised in the skin. Vitamin D2 is commonly less used as a supplement but is a more effective form of vitamin D and vitamin D3 is more commonly used as a supplement and is more effective in raising and maintaining vitamin D in the blood.

Supplements are used for those individuals who do not get enough exposure to sunlight. Many people depend on these supplements as they provide the right amount of vitamin D essential for human beings as per age and gender. This also reduces the hassle of getting over-exposed or under-exposed to sunlight.

Sunlight vs Supplements: Which Is A Better Source Of Vitamin D?

Both sunlight and supplements are effective in increasing vitamin D content in the body. However, their effectiveness can vary based on individual circumstances. For those who can get enough sunlight, natural synthesis may be sufficient. Those having limited sunlight exposure or health conditions can opt for vitamin D supplements.

Sunlight can lead to skin damage and cancer if not managed properly. Supplements, although naturally safe when used correctly, require careful dosing to avoid toxicity.

Supplements are accessible and convenient for those living with limited sunlight exposure or who cannot spend much time outdoors. Although sunlight exposure provides a natural source of vitamin D, it may be less consistent for some people.