Sunlight and Vitamin D: A global perspective for health (2024)

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Sunlight and Vitamin D: A global perspective for health (2024)

FAQs

What is vitamin D deficiency a global perspective? ›

The prevalence of clinical vitamin D deficiency (rickets and osteomalacia) is high in many parts of the world, and there is a resurgence of rickets among children of ethnic minority groups in Europe and Australasia.

What is the link between sunlight and vitamin D? ›

Vitamin D forms in the skin when it is exposed to UV from sunlight. It can also be obtained from some foods. We need vitamin D to maintain good health and to keep bones and muscles strong and healthy.

What is the vitamin D and sunlight connection for humans? ›

Unlike other vitamins, our bodies have the unique ability to make vitamin D from the sun. Studies suggest a link between vitamin D and a healthy immune system. It enhances our bodies' ability to absorb calcium and reduces our risk of fractures and broken bones. Vitamin D also helps regulate our mood.

How does sunlight help in making vitamin D within our body? ›

Vitamin D is the sunshine vitamin that has been produced on this earth for more than 500 million years. During exposure to sunlight 7-dehydrocholesterol in the skin absorbs UV B radiation and is converted to previtamin D3 which in turn isomerizes into vitamin D3.

Why is vitamin D deficiency a serious health problem ___________? ›

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to a loss of bone density, which can contribute to osteoporosis and fractures (broken bones). Severe vitamin D deficiency can also lead to other diseases: In children, it can cause rickets. Rickets is a rare disease that causes the bones to become soft and bend.

Is vitamin D deficiency a global health problem? ›

How common is vitamin D deficiency? Vitamin D deficiency is a common global issue. About 1 billion people worldwide have vitamin D deficiency, while 50% of the population has vitamin D insufficiency. Approximately 35% of adults in the United States have vitamin D deficiency.

What time is sunlight good for health? ›

To get an optimal vitamin D supplement from the sun at a minimal risk of getting cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM), the best time of sun exposure is noon.

What is the main role of vitamin D in the body? ›

The most important role of vitamin D is regulating the absorption of calcium from the foods we eat. It also helps with hormone function and nervous system regulation. Vitamin D is vital for bone development and strength, cell growth and maintaining a healthy immune system.

Can you get vitamin D from lack of sunlight? ›

You need vitamin D to grow and maintain your bones. You could be at risk for deficiency if you don't get enough sunlight on your skin, you have a disorder that reduces your body's ability to absorb it, or you don't eat enough of it in your diet.

Is sun exposure good or bad for you? ›

Everybody needs some sun exposure to produce vitamin D (which helps calcium absorption for stronger and healthier bones). But unprotected exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause damage to the skin, eyes, and immune system. It can also cause cancer.

Why is vitamin D important to the body and how is the sun and skin related to this? ›

Vitamin D is a hormone that controls calcium levels in the blood. It is needed for strong bones, muscles and overall health. The sun's ultraviolet radiation (UV) is the main cause of skin cancer and the best natural source of vitamin D.

Does vitamin D give humans energy? ›

It's key in absorbing calcium to maintain bone health and strengthen your bones. It supports a healthy brain, heart, teeth and lungs. Vitamin D keeps your immune system strong and can help regulate insulin levels. It keeps your energy levels up and enhances your mood.

What are the 5 benefits of the sun? ›

Their other benefits include:
  • promoting a sensation of well-being and improving mood.
  • boosting the immune system.
  • relieving pain.
  • promoting relaxation.
  • helping wounds heal.
  • helping people feel more alert.
  • increasing job satisfaction , when a person's workplace has access to sunlight.
  • reducing depression.
Nov 4, 2020

Why is sunlight considered good for humans? ›

The best-known benefit of sunlight is its ability to boost the body's vitamin D supply; most cases of vitamin D deficiency are due to lack of outdoor sun exposure.

What skin color absorbs the most vitamin D? ›

Individuals with lighter skin tones have less melanin, allowing them to absorb UVB radiation more efficiently and produce vitamin D more effectively. However, this increased efficiency can also lead to a higher risk of sunburn and skin cancer if proper sun protection measures are not taken.

How many people globally are vitamin D deficient? ›

Nearly one billion people have a vitamin D deficiency worldwide, equating to 35% of adults in the United States.

Where is vitamin D deficiency most common in the world? ›

Worldwide, many countries report very high prevalences of low vitamin D status. 25(OH)D levels <30 nmol/L (or 12 ng/ml) in >20% of the population are common in India, Tunisia, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

What is vitamin D deficiency a major contributing factor to develop? ›

The majority of patients with vitamin D deficiency are asymptomatic. However, even mild chronic vitamin D deficiency can lead to chronic hypocalcemia and hyperparathyroidism, which can contribute risk of osteoporosis, falls, and fractures, especially in older individuals.

What is vitamin A deficiency a major cause of in the developing world? ›

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is the single most important cause of childhood blindness in developing countries.

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