Can you get vitamin D through a window?
Sunlight’s UVB rays cause skin that is not protected to make vitamin D, a very important nutrient. Therefore, it is known as the “sunshine vitamin.”
Most of these UVB rays happen when the sun is at its highest point in the sky, usually between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Being outside in the summer is often the best time to get these rays. But getting enough sunlight through window for your body to make enough vitamin D also depends on many other things.
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Let’s look into the details: can you get vitamin D through a window?
Why does vitamin D matter?
Because the body needs it, vitamin D is a nutrient that has many health benefits. It helps the body absorb calcium, which is good for bone health.
In addition to helping our bones, vitamin D also helps our immune system work right and does a thing like help cells grow and sugar get used up.
Vitamin D Deficiency Causes
Since the body produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, getting enough of it should be simple.
That only happens sometimes, though. Vitamin D deficiency and low vitamin D levels are quite common around the world for several reasons, including:
Insufficient sun exposure:
Some people might need more sun if they spend most of the day inside.
Equatorial distance:
Sunlight vitamin D intake decreases with distance from the equator. That is because the equator is where the sun is closest to the earth, and its rays are strongest.
Color of skin:
Lots of melanin is found in darker skin. Melanin is a natural sunblock that keeps the skin from getting hurt by the sun. However, this protection can make it harder to absorb vitamin D from sunlight.
This means that people of color are more likely to not get enough vitamin D. Though this needs more study, it seems that the darker your skin, the more time you need to spend in the sun.
But it does not matter how dark your skin is; you should still be careful in the sun and not let your skin get burned.
Protective clothing and sunblock:
UVB rays from the sun cannot reach your skin if you wear sunscreen or cover most of your body with clothes.
UV rays from the sun can hurt your health and skin. That is why you should only go outside for 15 to 20 minutes at a time when the sun is at its strongest without protect your skin.
Age:
Our bodies are less able to use the sun’s rays as we get older, so older people may need to spend more time in the sun.
Vitamin D supplements can help people get more of the vitamin. People who have trouble absorption or digestive problems may have trouble with the vitamin, though, because it dissolves in fat.
Can you get vitamin D through a window?
The majority of people nowadays end up staying inside for the majority of the day. Many may wonder, “can you get vitamin D through a window?”
Unfortunately, most types of glass used in cars, homes, and offices block UVB rays. It means that lying in the sunlight coming through window will not greatly help your body make vitamin D.
UVA rays are the only ones that can usually reach the skin through window sunshine. UVA rays damage skin and can go deeper into the body and pose a health risk.
Because of this, it is important to protect your skin and health by wearing sunblock when you are often outside through a window.
What are some natural sources of vitamin D?
Getting vitamin D from foods and the sun are both natural ways to get it.
These are some of the best natural sources of vitamin D:
- Fatty Fish:
Vitamin D can be found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and trout. One example is that 3.5 ounces of cooked salmon has about 360 IU of vitamin D.
- Cod Liver Oil:
Cod liver oil is a well-known supplement that is high in vitamin D. About 450 IU of vitamin D can be found in just one teaspoon (4.9 mL).
- Egg Yolks:
Each large egg yolk has about 44 IU of vitamin D, which makes them a good source of the vitamin.
- Mushrooms:
Some mushrooms, like chanterelle, maitake, and morels, have a moderate amount of vitamin D. Also, some mushrooms are put under ultraviolet light to make them contain more vitamin D.
- Fortified Foods:
Vitamin D is added to a lot of foods, like orange juice, cereals, some dairy products, and soy milk. For people who strictly follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, fortified foods can be a good way to get vitamin D.
- Liver:
One slice of beef liver has about 42 IU of vitamin D, making it a good source of the vitamin.
Please keep in mind that even though these foods contain a lot of vitamin D, it can still be hard to get enough from food alone, especially in the winter or if you do not get much sun.
So, in addition to eating foods that are high in vitamin D, people who are at risk of deficiency may need to think about taking vitamin D supplements.
Let’s sum it up. Can you get vitamin D through a window?
While vitamin D is important for many bodily functions, it is unlikely that you will get enough of it from windows alone because they block UVB rays.
To meet daily needs, it is important to eat vitamin D-rich foods and think about taking supplements, especially for people who do not get much sun.
And if you want professional help do contact us at Primary Care of Kansas
FAQs
Is sunlight through a window good for you?
Sunlight through a window does provide some benefits, like brightening your mood and helping with sleep, but it may not be sufficient for producing vitamin D due to UVB ray blockage by glass.
Can you get vitamin D on a cloudy day?
Yes, you can still get some vitamin D on a cloudy day, as UVB rays can penetrate through clouds. However, the amount of vitamin D produced may be reduced compared to sunny days.
Can you get sunburn through a window?
Yes, you can get sunburn through a window, particularly if the window does not block UVB rays effectively. UVA rays, which can penetrate glass, contribute to skin damage and increase the risk of sunburn and skin cancer.
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