Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : People often seek supplements and diets aimed at improving bone strength, overlooking a completely free option—sunlight. Shining rays help the body produce what is commonly known as vitamin D, a vitamin needed for bone health along with calcium.
Vitamin D helps to absorb calcium and use it properly within the body. An absence of enough vitamin D can lead to bones becoming weak which can result in osteoporosis and rickets.
How Sunlight Assists The Body In Creating Vitamin D
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is produced from cholesterol in skin during exposure to sunlight. The sun’s UVB rays are responsible for this. This type of vitamin D is later activated in the liver and kidneys, converting it to a form that aids in building and maintaining bone density for the body.
The Relationship Between Vitamin D and Calcium
While calcium is required for strong bones, it cannot be absorbed properly without vitamin D. When vitamin D is present, calcium is able to exit and enter the bloodstream effectively. During this process, deposits are made in bones thereby increasing the strength of bones.
The absorption of calcium is impaired without vitamin D, which makes bones brittle and susceptible to breaks. In children, a lack of Vitamin D will lead to a condition known as Rickets— a condition characterized by soft bones that do not yet fully develop.
Best Time for Sun Exposure
The most effective way to increase vitamin D concentrations is to sunbathe between the hours of 10 am to 3 pm when UVB radiation is at its peak. Nonetheless, optimum exposure duration depends on weather, skin type, and geographic location.
How Much Sunlight Is Enough?
Experts advise 10 to 30 minutes of direct sun exposure on the skin as a daily routine. The exact duration may depend on skin color and the strength of sunlight. It is best to avoid overexposing skin to sunlight. If the amount of time in the sun is thought to be excessive, wear sunscreen. It is advised to keep unprotected skin in the sunlight while trying to boost vitamin D production, but once outside for a long while, sunscreen should be applied.
Read More: Essential Vitamin D Supplements to Boost Your Health and Immunity
