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Should You Take Vitamin D in the Summer?

should you take vitamin d in the summer

While soaking up the rich rays of the sun, you might be wondering, “Should you take vitamin D in the summer?”

You should take vitamin D supplements in the summer, even if you're regularly exposed to sunlight. Although we often associate summer with plenty of sunshine, many Canadians in particular still don't get enough vitamin D.

Vitamin D from the sun or even food sources can sometimes be insufficient to meet your body's needs, especially if you live in northern areas with less sun exposure.

In this blog post, we at Vitamart will explore whether you should take vitamin D in the summer, why it's particularly important for those of us living in Canada, and other natural vitamin D forms to elevate your levels.

What this article covers:

Do You Need Vitamin D Supplements In Summer?

Our findings show that many people still need supplements, even in the warmer summer months. Factors such as sunscreen, clothing, and spending time indoors can all reduce how much vitamin D your body produces.

According to a study undertaken by R.E Neale et al, sunscreen, while protecting your skin, can potentially minimise vitamin D absorption, but not so significantly that your body can't produce this vital nutrient at all.

With that said, sunlight exposure and vitamin D synthesis in this context is still considered low enough to warrant concern from us and other experts in the field.

Even with extended daylight hours, Canadians living in northern areas may not receive adequate sunlight for ideal vitamin D production.

That's why taking vitamin D supplements in summer can help maintain healthy reserves of this crucial vitamin.

take vitamin d in the summer

Do You Really Need Vitamin D Supplements If You're Out In The Summer Sun A Lot?

Our research indicates that spending time outdoors in the summer sun is great for your well being, but doesn't guarantee meeting your vitamin D needs.

Even on sunny days, UV rays may not be strong enough in northern parts of Canada to produce sufficient vitamin D.

Additionally, you might apply sunscreen or seek shade to avoid harmful UV rays on sunny days, which also minimises your skin's ability to produce vitamin D.

You may even be wondering, “Can you get vitamin D on a cloudy day during the summer?” The answer is in the affirmative.

This is due to the fact that the full spectrum of ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun can still penetrate clouds, allowing your skin to absorb UVB rays for vitamin D production.

With that said, we still advise you to continue with your supplement routine, whether you're out enjoying the sun or experiencing a gloomy day.

Should You Continue Taking Your Vitamin D Supplement In Summer?

Even though the sun is shining, it's pivotal to keep your vitamin D routine going.

In summer, it's easy to assume that you don't need to employ supplementation. However, UCLA Health asserts that only 25% of your body (arms, hands, neck, face etc.) is typically exposed to the sun at any given time, even during the warmer months.

Additionally, critical factors like indoor time, personal habits, and regional differences can mean that your natural vitamin D production still falls short.

Based on our first-hand experience, we've seen that preserving consistent levels throughout the year is key to preventing deficiencies, which can lead to various health issues related to cardiovascular disorders or cancer.

That's why we recommend sticking to your supplementation regimen all year round. A vitamin D supplement offers a simple way to ensure you meet your needs consistently without worrying about unpredictable weather or your daily schedule.

vitamin d supplement

Why Is It Important to Take Vitamin D Supplements When Living in Canada?

Our investigation demonstrated that living in Canada poses unique challenges for maintaining optimal vitamin D quantities.

In winter, the reduced daylight hours and lower UV index make it nearly impossible to get enough vitamin D from sunlight alone. But even in the summer, these challenges don't disappear completely.

According to the European Commision, Canadians continuously remain at high risk of vitamin D deficiency year-round.

Even with the extended summer days, many of us don't get outside as often as we'd like. Additionally, people with darker skin tones, or elderly family members may have an even harder time synthesising vitamin D naturally.

Moreover, ensuring adequate vitamin D for infants can also be difficult. This is due to babies typically spending most of their time indoors and being protected from direct sunlight, which has been endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

This is to safeguard young children against excessive and harmful sun exposure, thereby ensuring that their required daily vitamin D intake primarily comes from their diet and fortified products instead.

For these reasons, taking a vitamin D supplement in summer is crucial for Canadians, including kids vitamin D for young children, to support their overall well being.

What Are Other Natural Sources of Vitamin D?

Some foods can also provide natural sources of vitamin D during the summertime.

For instance, fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines are some of the richest forms of vitamin D. In Canada, fortified foods such as milk, margarine, orange juice, and even table salt also contain added vitamin D to boost your intake.

However, relying solely on these sources may not give you ample amounts of vitamin D your body needs. That's why we recommend pairing a healthy diet with a high-quality vitamin D softgel supplement.

We've found from using this product that it can maximise absorption through its fatty oil base (often made from MCT oil, olive oil or coconut oil), ensuring you conserve optimal vitamin D levels throughout the year.

should i take vitamin d in the summer

Conclusion

In this blog post, we uncovered why you should take vitamin D in the summer, the significance of vitamin D supplements even while enjoying the summer sun, and its importance for Canadians.

For those looking to elevate their vitamin D levels, we encourage you to explore our wide range of high-quality, affordable vitamin D Canada supplements.

So, shop now at Vitamart and keep your health on track year-round!

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