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Southwestern Minnesota | This is a good link that discusses Vit D. This is another from the same source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8299926/
In general and to answer your specific questions:
It doesn't take much sunlight to make the conversion to Vit D that your body can use. But there are many variables- how much skin is really exposed? In the northern climates we are rarely outside with much skin exposed for many months of the year. Five to 30 minutes could be enough, but if we live in MN or Montana, we may not have enough skin exposed to get much conversion to Vit D. Just having your face exposed is not enough to create much skin surface area. Sunscreen can interfere, shade can interfere. Also, in the northern climates the sun angle needs to be at least 35 degrees or more above the horizon.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, so in other words our body can store it up. Unlike the water-soluble vitamins like B and C, which are not stored in our bodies, Vit D is stored, but as time and days go by it is gradually used up, unless replenished.
The temperature can affect how much Vit D your body produces. Warm skin temperatures produce more.
Vit D is stored in our fat cells (winter, night, overcast days, days in the tractor). Just like Vit A, it is a fat soluble vitamin and is stored for future use.
Vit D levels vary from person to person and is dependent on many factors. The best way to know if you have an adequate amount is to have it checked by lab work on a periodic basis. Then you will know what your level is. It may be good in the summer and lower in the winter. By knowing what your lab value is, then you can determine if it would be beneficial to supplement this nutrient. | |
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Vitamin D questions
