{"id":2892,"date":"2022-11-28T10:25:48","date_gmt":"2022-11-28T10:25:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/activesalon.com\/us\/?p=2892"},"modified":"2022-11-28T10:26:35","modified_gmt":"2022-11-28T10:26:35","slug":"top-7-vitamin-d-and-tanning-myths","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/activesalon.com\/us\/faq\/top-7-vitamin-d-and-tanning-myths\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 7 Vitamin D and Tanning Myths"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays a major role in the body’s overall health. It helps to regulate calcium and phosphate in the body, contributing to the health of our bones, teeth and muscles. A lack of vitamin D can lead to various health problems, including bone deformities.<\/p>

As implied by its nickname, the “sunshine” vitamin, one of the best sources of the nutrient is light. Exposure to UVB \u2013 whether from direct sunlight or indoor tanning<\/a> \u2013 enables the body to convert a compound in the skin into vitamin D3. It can also be found in various foods, as well as dietary supplements.<\/p>

There are many widespread myths surrounding vitamin D and tanning. In this post, we’ll explore and demystify 7 of the most common misconceptions.<\/p>

Myth 1: You can get all the vitamin D you need from the sun<\/h2>

It\u2019s true that the body does produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. In spring and summer, spending around 9 minutes per day in the sunshine (with some skin exposed) should be sufficient to prevent deficiency.<\/p>

However, this is not the case all year round. During autumn and winter in the UK, the sun\u2019s UV levels are much lower. From late September to early March, the body cannot produce enough vitamin D from sunlight alone \u2013 even if you spend all day sunbathing.<\/p>

Myth 2: You don’t need vitamin D in the winter<\/h2>

Vitamin D is just as important in the winter as it is in the summer. Your body needs this nutrient year-round to absorb calcium and build strong bones. So, even in the colder months, it\u2019s still important to make sure you\u2019re getting enough vitamin D. It is estimated that around 1 in 6 UK adults are deficient in vitamin D during winter.<\/p>

During the colder months, when the sun\u2019s UVB rays are not strong enough, you can take vitamin D supplements to prevent deficiency. Safe, moderate use of indoor sunbeds can also help your body to produce vitamin D naturally.<\/p>

Myth 3: You cannot get vitamin D from tanning beds<\/h2>

Many people think that the body can only produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. However, it is not the sun itself that triggers vitamin D production \u2013 but rather, the presence of UVB (ultraviolet B) radiation.<\/p>

While the levels of UVB you\u2019ll get from a sunbed are not quite as high as the sun, sunbed lamps do<\/em> emit both UVA and UVB radiation. This means that indoor tanning, whether in a lie-down sunbed or stand-up booth, can help your body to produce vitamin D. It\u2019s important to use caution and tan safely, as overexposure to UV rays can have harmful effects.<\/p>

Myth 4: It\u2019s easy to get enough vitamin D from diet alone<\/h2>

While it\u2019s not impossible to get all the vitamin D you need through your diet, it is extremely difficult. That\u2019s because very few foods are rich in vitamin D. The only foods that contain high levels of the nutrient are oily fish, red meat, egg yolks, liver and certain fortified products (e.g. cereals).<\/p>

Unless you\u2019re eating plenty of these foods on a daily basis, it\u2019s unlikely you\u2019re getting enough vitamin D from your diet. In particular, people who follow a plant-based diet may struggle unless they are exposed to enough UVB, or take dietary supplements.<\/p>

Myth 5: Everyone needs the same amount of vitamin D<\/h2>

It\u2019s true that every adult requires the same amount of vitamin D \u2013 however, some people\u2019s bodies are not as efficient at absorbing or producing it. These individuals may need to take more frequent supplements to ensure they get enough.<\/p>

People who may be at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency include:<\/p>