Can you get Enough Vitamin D from the Sun? - NBC29 WVIR Charlottesville, VA News, Sports and Weather

Martha Jefferson Monday: Can you get Enough Vitamin D from the Sun?

Posted: Updated:

On a bright, sunny, summer day, many may think that simply being outside is enough to get them the vitamin D they need. Although it's possible, for most people, it's not the reality.  

"Almost everybody who I test is low in vitamin D and almost everyone can benefit from vitamin D supplementation whether it's through diet or vitamins themselves," said Dr. David Mahoney of the Charlottesville Wellness Center.  

Dr. Mahoney says in order to get large enough dose of vitamin D, you have to time it just right.

"We talk about 20 minutes in the sun, but that's the noon day sun and very often we're all working."    

Taking supplements is one way to make up for a lack of vitamin D.  You can also get a boost of the vitamin by eating green leafy vegetables or fish, such as salmon.  

But why is vitamin D so important? 

"The biggest thing we know for a fact is that vitamin D is involved in the process of healthy bones and in the process of making healthy bones. Vitamin D regulates calcium and phosphorous and helps with osteoporosis," said Mahoney.  

In addition, having healthy levels of vitamin D. can help decrease asthma and cold symptoms. In some cases it also helps to alleviate rheumatoid arthritis and can help prevent certain cancers.

For more information on vitamin D, or Dr. David Mahoney call Health Connection at Martha Jefferson Hospital at (434) 654-7009.

To submit a question you'd like answered on NBC29, email healthquestions@nbc29.com




Powered by WorldNow