Vitamin D is obtained specifically through ultraviolet radiation B; which inversely is associated with various complex diseases. The negative and positive consequences of sun exposure have been debated. Vitamin D is produced by the skin when it is exposed to the ultraviolet light of the sun. Light skin pigmentation arises to ensure sufficient levels of vitamin D. There are factors like sunscreen use, seasonal changes and the amount of time spent outdoors which can subsequently alter vitamin D levels.
There is an obvious geographical connection between skin color and the distance from the equator. In the far northern and southern latitudes, the number of UVB rays hitting Earth’s surface are decreased due to the planet’s tilt. The equator is showered in UVB rays year round. Due to seasonal variations, people in Northern Europe receive virtually no UVB exposure in the winter.
Are You Vitamin D Deficient?
Darker skin tones contain more melanin, which in return is associated with greater protection against ultraviolet radiation exposure. Because of this protective effect, people with darker skin color should spend more time in the sun to generate sufficient vitamin D compared to those with lighter skin color. For this reason, a darker skinned person is much more likely to have a vitamin D deficiency. This conclusion is right even though people with dark skin can produce vitamin D as efficiently as people with lighter skin. There are different reasons for vitamin D deficiency. Such as:
- Breastfed babies who are not given vitamin D supplements.
- Pregnant women.
- Overweight or obese people.
- People who spend a large chunk of their time indoors
- People who cover their skin either by wearing sunscreens or covering the skin with clothes
- People that live in colder areas where there are fewer hours of sunlight.
- Osteoporosis patients.
- People with chronic diseases.
If you are at risk for vitamin D deficiency, have your doctor run a test. To ensure sufficient levels of vitamin D, you may be advised to take supplements, have controlled exposure to the sun and make some dietary changes. Boosting the Vitamin D levels in your body will increase energy and help keep you healthy.
Have your vitamin levels checked today, call Metro MediSpa at 888-637-7228 or 910-599-9925.