
Shining the Light on Vitamin D During Winter
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Sunny days are few and far between as we enter winter season, with cold temperatures, clouds, fog, rain, or snow (depending on which part of the country you are in) dimming the amount of sunshine we receive. Between November and February, people living north of Atlanta won’t receive enough of the sun’s necessary ultraviolet B (UVB) rays to help their skin create vitamin D. This is why vitamin D deficiency becomes a concern for patients (and possibly you) during the winter months.1
The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in winter
As vitamin D is an essential element of bone metabolism, cell growth, differentiation, and the regulation of body minerals.1 it is vital that people ensure they have enough of it in their systems. Because the body generates vitamin D after roughly 10 minutes of widespread skin exposure to UVB,2 such as when one wears a bathing suit, it is understandable that with less sun exposure experienced in the winter that this is not occurring.
The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in winter
As vitamin D is an essential element of bone metabolism, cell growth, differentiation, and the regulation of body minerals.1 it is vital that people ensure they have enough of it in their systems. Because the body generates vitamin D after roughly 10 minutes of widespread skin exposure to UVB,2 such as when one wears a bathing suit, it is understandable that with less sun exposure experienced in the winter that this is not occurring.
Which D is right for your patients?
1. Kashi Z, Saeedian F, Akha O, Emadi S, Zakeri H. Vitamin D deficiency prevalence in summer compared to winter in a city with high humidity and a sultry climate. Endokrynol Pol. 2011;62(3):249-51.
2. What is vitamin D? Vitamin D Council. https://www.vitamindcouncil.org/about-vitamin-d/what-is-vitamin-d. Accessed December 10, 2019.
3. How do I get the vitamin D my body needs https://www.vitamindcouncil.org/about-vitamin-d/how-do-i-get-the-vitamin-d-my-body-needs. Accessed December 10, 2019.
4. Holick MF et al. Evaluation, treatment, and prevention of vitamin D deficiency: an Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011;96(7):1911-1930.
5. Logan VF et al.Long-term vitamin D3 supplementation is more effective than vitamin D2 in maintaining serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D status over the winter months. Br J Nutr. 2013;109(6):1082-1088.