Let There Be Vitamin D

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During summer’s solar-oriented days, are you getting enough—or too much—sun exposure to trigger vitamin D synthesis? It depends on your complexion and age, say dermatologists.

After analyzing the published literature on vitamin D, experts reported that many people—especially the elderly and dark-skinned individuals—are vitamin D deficient. However, sunbathing or using a tanning bed is not the answer because of their high skin cancer risk. Instead, get your vitamin D from foods or by taking a supplement.

“Increasingly, studies show that in the United States, vitamin D level is below what is thought to be important for bone and muscle strength,” says Henry Lim, MD, department of dermatology at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Mich. “However, it should be noted that the range of ‘normal’ vitamin D level varies fiftyfold,” he adds. “Endocrinologists, nutritionists and the U.S. government need to establish vitamin D guidelines based on current information.”

To get vitamin D, a vital nutrient necessary for musculoskeletal health, humans must either synthesize it through skin exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light or ingest it. Some foods such as milk are fortified with vitamin D, but with the exception of fatty fish, most are poor sources of the nutrient. So your best bet may well be the local vitamin store.

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