
How To Get Vitamin D From Sunlight?

I AM A 37YR OLD MAN WHO LIVES IN XXXXXXX CITY, XXXXXXX
I WANTED TO KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT THE VITAMIN D INTAKE THROUGH THE SUNLIGHT.
I WANTED TO KNOW THE BEST TIME FOR EXPOSURE TO THE SUNLIGHT TO GET ENOUGH VITAMIN D……AS I FEEL I AM LACKING IN THIS VITAMIN.
I AM FREE EVERYDAY IN THE MORNING AROUND 8:30 AM TO 9:00 AM. THAT TIME I GO OUT FOR CYCLING. IS THIS THE CORRECT TIME TO GET VITAMIN D FROM THE SUN. THERE IS ONE MORE ISSUE. MY DERMATOLOGIST HAS STRICTLY ADVISED ME WEAR A SUNSCREEN EVERYTIME I GO OUT IN THE SUN. I APPLY IT ON MY FACE AND THE NECK.
WHENEVER I GO OUT CYCLING, I GO OUT IN SHORTS AND VESTS. THAT MEANS THAT AROUND 30-40% OF MY BODY IS EXPOSED TO THE SUN [EXCLUDING MY FACE AND NECK, WHERE I APPLY SUNSCREEN]
SO BASICALLY MY QUESTION IS……THAT WHEN I GO OUT IN MORNING, WILL I GET ENOUGH VITAMIN D OR D3 FROM THE SUNLIGHT [AFTER APPLYING THE SUNSCREEN. ONLY MY HANDS AND SHOULDERS AND CALVES ARE EXPOSED TO THE SUN WITHOUT SUNSCREEN.]
IS 8:30 AM TO 9:00 AM THE CORRECT TIME TO GO OUT TO GET ENOUGH OF VITAMIN D OR D3??? THAT IS THE ONLY TIME I AM FREE.
THANKS XXXXXXX
11 am to 3 pm is best but 8.30 to 9.00 am is fine
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
There is no fixed directions to get Vitamin D from the sun because of differences in sunlight through various seasons of the year and the skin type of a person. Usually it is said that the sunlight exposure is best between 11.00 am and 3.00 pm for the synthesis of Vitamin D. For a light skin person 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure is enough while for a darker skinned about 30 minutes is sufficient. Whenever you feel that the skin is burning, you should not stay any longer in the sun. Applying sun screen on the face is not a problem as you say you will be in vest and shorts.
As you say that you are free from 8.30 am to 9.00 am that is also acceptable.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek

Answered by

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
