Vitamin D has a special status among vitamins: we can not only ingest it through food, but we can also produce it ourselves in the body. But for that we need the sun.
There is a precursor in the skin, and vitamin D is formed from it when exposed to sunlight. It is said that five to 25 minutes a day in the sun with regarding a quarter of the body surface uncovered is enough Federal Center for Nutrition (BZfE).
Vitamin D can be stored
Sufficient sun should therefore reach your face, arms and legs. A rule of thumb says: If our shadow outside is shorter than we are tall, we produce enough vitamin D. In Germany, this is the case between April and October. The good thing: Vitamin D can be stored, so that you are prepared for the winter months.
What is usually superfluous, according to the BZfE: taking additional vitamin D via dietary supplements. However, there are exceptions: Babies, for example, because they are not allowed in direct sunlight. In older people, vitamin D formation decreases and even those who spend little time outdoors may need supplementation with tablets.
But important: Before taking the vitamin D level in the blood should be checked. After that, a discussion with the doctor will decide whether and how much to take.
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© dpa – German Press Agency 2022