Vitamin D is known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’, and it’s not for nothing. Our bodies make it from cholesterol when exposed to sunlight. The sun’s ultraviolet B rays hit cholesterol in the skin cells, providing the energy needed for vitamin D synthesis to occur.

Naturally, during autumn and winter, there’s less sunlight and government advice suggests that everyone should consider taking Vitamin D supplements during these seasons. In fact, most people are Vitamin D-deficient regardless of the season. Sedentary lifestyles mean they simply don’t get enough sun exposure. Really, you want to get about 20 minutes of sun exposure each day when you can. Ideally that will be before 11AM or after 5PM, as UV levels peak in between those times, meaning sunlight can be damaging to the skin.

What's so special about Vitamin D? Can it be found in food? Who should be taking vitamin D supplements? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

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A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance.

In partnership with upday UK.

First broadcast: 05/11/2022

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