The unique benefits of making vitamin D from sunshine and UVB exposure
Key Points
- While the vitamin D3 molecule created in response to sunlight is the same as the molecule found in food and supplements, there are certain differences in how the body processes, absorbs, and utilizes the vitamin D
- Exposure of the skin to UVB radiation initiates the conversion of cholesterol to pre-vitamin D3, which can then be further converted into other photoproducts that have their own unique biological properties, possibly playing a role in reducing the risk of skin cancer; pre-vitamin D3 is also converted into other forms of vitamin D, including its active form, directly within the skin cells for their own use
- While vitamin D toxicity is possible to achieve from supplements, it is not possible when generating vitamin D from sun exposure; vitamin D3 generated by sunshine exposure is also available to the body 2-3 times longer than that taken orally
Vitamin D3 production is initiated in the skin upon exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunshine and indoor lighting options containing UVB.
