https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5946282/
Hey all, new here. I am shocked - and thrilled - to discover this 2018 study concluding that with enough sun-skin exposure during the spring, summer, and autumn months, that in the UK, for Caucasians, it is possible to retain an adequate level of vitamin D through winter without need to supplement. (Hope there are similar studies for those of different colour skins) This is outside my ‘Overton window’ so to speak - as in, I thought it was so settled that everyone in the Northern Hemisphere needed to increase dietary vitamin D in the winter months - that I’m struggling to believe this, so would welcome discussion around the study authors methodology, any folk knowledge, and complimentary or contrasting research links/mentions. All the best
I live on the continent and from regularly checking vit d levels, I am always too low if I do not supplement. My hobby is running and I rarely (to my detriment) use sun blocker.
So I think this is an individual issue and you have to check to be safe.
The abstract tells you all you need to know, the conditions to meet this possibility are not a thing for most people.
Lunch time exposure, probably not, but maybe.
Forearms and lower legs exposed, particularly the lower legs is not happening for many at any time of year…
25ng/mL is the low end? In the US anything below 30ng/mL was considered deficient (at least it was). That lowest base level is also only for your body to use vitamin D for its primary function. Which is to help absorb and retain calcium and phosphorous.
The parameters of this study don’t seem to be very feasible by most people, at least in the northern US.
From study - “ White-skinned people in the UK (and similar latitudes) are able to meet vitamin D requirements (defined as remaining at or above 25 nmol/L 25(OH)D throughout winter) by spending nine minutes outdoors at lunchtime from March to September or for nine to 13 min, dependent on South-North geographical location, June–August, in season-appropriate clothing”
That is interesting. But as someone else already mentioned, a lot of people may not be meeting the criteria / or getting enough sun to feel these positive effects. Especially at the specified times with indoor work settings and other sedentary obligations.
What I can speak for personally is the Vitamin D deficiency in people with melanin who are usually born in sunny areas and migrate to colder regions with little to no sun. They are unable to get enough vitamin D from the sun or their diet, so additional supplements are essential.
Is there a consensus on the optimal levels of vitamin D? We have good data on the amount needed to prevent disease. But the minimum amount is not the same as the optimal amount. For example, just because you get enough to prevent disease doesn’t mean your immune system wouldn’t be better with higher levels.
I don’t believe it will work for the vast majoority of people. Storing up vit D to last you over the winter doesn’t sound like a great plan.
clears throat no.
Cod liver oil became a miracle cure for a reason.
Consistently having the worst flu and the big cough outcomes in winter should not be a surprise with how poor everyone’s vitamin D is, not to mention the sheer amount of people who are allergic to… going outside for anything that isn’t alcohol or food.