According to many experts, if you live in the northern hemisphere, below 30 degrees (south of Los Angeles, Dallas, or Atlanta), 15 minutes of midday sun on the forearms and face without sunblock should produce sufficient vitamin D for Caucasians under the age of sixty. (1)
If you have darker skin or are older than 60 years old, you may require 30 minutes or more.
Farther north, at 40 degrees latitude (Portland, Chicago, or New York City), the sun’s rays aren’t sufficient enough between the months of November through February to produce the appropriate amount of Vitamin D needed.
Vitamin D supplements are necessary during those winter months or year round for people that don’t get adequate sun.
So, what is the best way to take Vitamin D?
A study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research concludes that vitamin D3 should be taken with the largest meal of the day. (2)
This makes perfect sense to me considering that vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin. Taking it with a hearty meal containing healthy fat improves its bioavailability.
Questions? Just ask!
Want to work with me 1:1 to create the perfect diet for you and/or your family? Contact me today at dana@thrivekin.com.
Sources:
1. Greger, Dr. Michael. How Not to Die. New York: Flatiron Books, 2015. Print
2. Mulligan GB, Licata A. Taking vitamin D with the largest meal improves absorption and results in higher serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. J Bone Miner Res. 2010;25(4):928-30