Is enough vitamin D produced in the skin during the summer and why do we need to replenish it throughout the year?

Author: Nadica Laktašić Žerjavić
Abstract:

The main sources of vitamin D are the production in the skin under the influence of ultraviolet (UV) sunlight and the intake of supplements. It is very difficult to achieve the balance between the risk and the benefits of sun exposure of the skin, especially in persons with a high risk of developing skin cancer. The modern way of life makes it difficult or even impossible for healthy persons to adequately expose their skin to the sun, even during the summer months. Continuous vitamin D supplementation, including during the summer months, should be recommended for infants, pregnant women, obese people, people with conditions leading to vitamin D deficiency, and people taking drugs that affect vitamin D metabolism, young and healthy persons who are vitamin D deficient due to their lifestyle, persons who use sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher when sunbathing, older persons whose skin does not have adequate vitamin D production capacity, and persons with mobility issues, who therefore get less sun exposure.

Key words:
dietary supplements; sunbathing; ultraviolet rays; vitamin D


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