If you are enjoying the rare British sunshine, you will most
probably enjoy reading about the beneficial effects of Vitamin D. The sun, in
fact, is one of the main sources of vitamin D as it helps our bodies synthesise
it through UVB exposure. The right exposure to the sun can increase vitamin D
levels – even if there is a raging argument about what levels of sun exposure
are appropriate.
Vitamin D is necessary for the absorption of calcium and the
formation of healthy bones. Deficient or even insufficient levels of vitamin D
have been associated with many diseases, including: cancer; cardiovascular disease;
type 2 diabetes; autoimmune diseases; and even infectious diseases such as
influenza. Now we read a study that is claiming that vitamin D can help you
lose weight. This claim is not entirely new and I have seen other studies that
do not corroborate the hypothesis. What we don’t want is patients exposing themselves
to unnecessary risks in order to achieve an outcome that has not been
satisfactorily demonstrated. Excessive exposure to UVA (also in sunlight) can
be harmful and it is likely that very high levels of vitamin D can also be
harmful so you should not be overdoing the supplements.
We do recommend that you make sure that your blood levels of
vitamin D are within a certain range and this can only be determined by a blood
test. If your blood levels of vitamin D are deficient then you can take a vitamin
D3 supplement under medical supervision. You should certainly not be exposing
your ample portions to the sun unprotected and for long periods of time.