It’s officially the middle of May, most would expect minimal rainy or cold days and more warm sunshine. But if you live in the Pacific Northwest you know better. A lot of residents in the PNW recommend using a sun lamp for those tough winter and early spring months. You may never realize the importance of vitamin D until it is lacking.
Did you know the body creates vitamin D from direct sunlight on the skin when outdoors. But between November and May we do not make enough vitamin D from sunlight. When your skin is exposed to sunlight, it makes vitamin D from cholesterol. The sun's ultraviolet B (UVB) rays hit cholesterol in the skin cells, providing the energy for vitamin D synthesis to occur. Vitamin D has many roles in the body and is essential for optimal health, among its functions are strengthening bones, absorbing calcium, and bolstering immunity. You may be at higher risk for vitamin D deficiency if you are lactose intolerant or have a milk allergy, vegetarians and vegans, Adults over age 65 or have liver disease, cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. You may want to consider taking a vitamin D supplement to help your body absorb this much needed vitamin. Just make sure you read the labels for recommended dosages for your body.