I got asked today if it was possible (or if I knew a way) to guestimate your required sun exposure times for vitamin D. I have an answer (when haven't I?).
In 2010 I made this brief post about the topic, so if you're interested have a look and try calculating your times.
In 2010 I made this brief post about the topic, so if you're interested have a look and try calculating your times.
The Relationship between Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure and Vitamin D Status
This paper reviews the main factors influencing the synthesis of vitamin D, with particular focus on ultraviolet radiation exposure. On the global level, the main source of vitamin D is the sun. The effect of solar radiation on vitamin D synthesis depends to some extent on the initial vitamin D levels. At moderate to high latitudes, diet becomes an increasingly important source of vitamin D due to decreased solar intensity and cold temperatures, which discourage skin exposure. During the mid-winter season, these factors result in decreased solar radiation exposure, hindering extensively the synthesis of vitamin D in these populations.
Vitamin D deficiency is linked to a whole host of diseases yet sun exposure is frowned upon. Enter the The Vitamin D/UV Calculator from the Scientists at the Norwegian Institute for Air Research.
Depending on your current Vitamin D status (i.e if you're deficient) then these figures may be low. However it's a great starting point, and for us brits it will be a useful encouragement to get outside for our required sunlight all year round rather than simply binging during the summer months.
Calculated Ultraviolet Exposure Levels for a Healthy Vitamin D Status Website
http://nadir.nilu.no/~olaeng/fastrt/VitD-ez_quartMED.html
Depending on your current Vitamin D status (i.e if you're deficient) then these figures may be low. However it's a great starting point, and for us brits it will be a useful encouragement to get outside for our required sunlight all year round rather than simply binging during the summer months.
Calculated Ultraviolet Exposure Levels for a Healthy Vitamin D Status Website
http://nadir.nilu.no/~olaeng/fastrt/VitD-ez_quartMED.html
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