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Medically Verified By: Ramya M.sc, RD, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, OMR Chennai
In cases like obesity and diabetes, vitamin D deficiency causes additional risk factors to the body’s function.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble, vital micro-nutrient necessary for our body. It's generally obtained through exposure to sunlight, food sources, and supplements. The recommended Dietary allowance states that 600IU of Vitamin D is required daily for most people. This can be met through a combination of sunlight exposure, dietary sources, and supplements and is an integral part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Some vitamin D sources are sardines and other foods like egg yolk, dairy products, sun-exposed shitake mushrooms, goat's liver, and fortified cereals. If severe deficiency is diagnosed in adults, 6000IU per day or 50,000IU weekly is recommended for 6-8 weeks. In the maintenance stage, 3000-6000IU per day is recommended.
Understanding the role of sunlight in boosting the body's vitamin D level is empowering. Depending on the weather, exposing 22-40% of the skin for 20 minutes under the sun during mid-day can help meet approximately 1000IU of vitamin D3 daily sun exposure, ensuring you get the vitamin D you need while minimizing UV-A ray exposure. This knowledge puts you in control of your health, as you can now ensure you get the vitamin D you need while avoiding excessive UV-A ray exposure. Remember, sunscreen during sun exposure is not recommended as it prevents UV-B rays, essential for Vitamin D3 production. For optimal absorption, wear minimal clothes and avoid sunscreen during sun exposure.
Vitamin D is essential for different parts of health maintenance: