Should I take a vitamin D supplement in the summer?

Vitamin D, also known as the 'sunshine vitamin', is one of the most common vitamin deficiencies in the world, despite its critical role in the body. Studies draw attention to the fact that close to 42% of the adult population in the United States has low levels of vitamin D, which paves the way for various health problems. It seems that although it is known as a sun vitamin, the presence of the sun is not enough to fill the vitamin D stores.

The importance of vitamin D

Vitamin D is responsible for keeping the immune system strong. It also supports all muscles by providing calcium and phosphorus absorption. It protects against infections by increasing body resistance. It also helps in the formation of new skin cells. It is responsible for bone development and healthy teeth, especially in growing children and infants. Vitamin D is necessary for the proper functioning of the nervous system, the development of the skeletal system and the strengthening of immunity. In short, it plays a critical role in maintaining holistic health.

Vitamin D deficiency

In the deficiency of vitamin D, more serious diseases such as diabetes, rheumatism or hypertension may occur, as well as easily recognized diseases such as headaches, depression, joint and muscle pains. At the same time, since it prevents the proliferation of cancer cells, vitamin D deficiency may increase the rate of proliferation of cancerous cells. Therefore, it is very important for the body to store the vitamin D it needs. For this, it needs vitamin D sources.

Vitamin D sources

On the other hand, the most basic source of vitamin D is the sun, as many of us know. Not getting enough ultraviolet rays can cause insufficient vitamin D synthesis. It may be necessary to supplement vitamin D from the outside, especially for the bodies that cannot get enough sunlight during the winter season. In such cases, consuming foods rich in vitamin D and using vitamin D supplements, which can be found in capsule or oral spray forms when necessary, can help fill the vitamin D store that the body needs to maintain holistic health.

Sunlight and Vitamin D

It may be possible to take away the pain of the lack of sun rays in the winter in the summer. However, it is not quite right to say that the presence of the sun alone meets the need for vitamin D. In other words, the arrival of summer does not guarantee that our vitamin D sources will fill up on their own. Studies emphasize that although the weather gets warmer and the sun shows itself more, it does not meet the need for vitamin D sufficiently.

A study conducted in Mexico in 2017 examined the vitamin D status of people living in areas with sufficient sunlight throughout the rest of the year, excluding winter months. Interestingly, the researchers found that there was no significant relationship between sun exposure and the levels of vitamin D people had. So, the output of the research is: "It's not time to throw your vitamin D supplements away just because the sun is shining."

Even though the weather is warm and the sun is always present, it is useful not to exclude different vitamin D sources from your life. Do not forget to include foods rich in vitamin D in your meals and take your daily vitamin D supplements if necessary. But all this does not mean that you cannot benefit from the sun. With a few points to consider, you can support your vitamin D stores by making the most of the sun.

How should we sunbathe to get vitamin D?

You do not need to lie in the sun for hours to increase the synthesis of vitamin D in your body. In fact, spending long hours in the sun can threaten your health, let alone benefit. In addition to helping the body synthesize vitamin D, the sun's rays; It can cause DNA damages, genetic mutations, wrinkles, burns and skin cancer. Therefore, experts draw attention to the need to keep the time spent under the sun under control.

Experts to make the most of the sun's rays; he emphasizes that the legs, arms, abdomen and back should be left exposed and that it is best to spend time under the sun by limiting it to 10-15 minutes. The Skin Cancer Organization also draws attention to the fact that spending time in the sun in this way should not be done more than 2-3 times a week. Otherwise, the sun is likely to harm your body.

Don't forget to use a highly protective sunscreen suitable for your skin type every day (even renewing it several times a day) to protect yourself from the sun's harms while enjoying the benefits of the sun.