In a recent summary on the proven benefits of vitamin D, the author offers plenty of evidence for the advice to get “sensible sun exposure along with vitamin D supplementation.”
As the author explains, the body responds to sunlight by producing vitamin D. The vitamin is in reality, a hormone that can also be taken in from diet and/or supplementation. Once it is converted in the liver to its active form (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D), it works with receptors in the small intestine, which increases absorption of calcium and phosphate. This is crucial for bone health.
The author goes on to point out that virtually all tissue in the body has vitamin D receptors and this is why a deficiency in vitamin D is linked to a number of health issues including preeclampsia, increased risk of c-section, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, types 1 and 2 diabetes, heart disease, dementia, cancers and infectious diseases. The author recommends supplementing 2000 IU (international units) per day for adults and 1000 IU per day for children and that this, along with a safe amount of sun exposure, is essential in maximizing health (1).
Remember that sunscreen or sun-block lotions prevent vitamin D from being produced in the skin. A doctor of chiropractic can evaluate your overall health and advise you on proper diet and supplementation as well as give you tips on getting a little sunlight in a safe manner.
Holick MF, Vitamin D: A D-Lightful Solution for Health. Journal of Investigative Medicine. 2011 Mar 16.