After Brits soaked up the sun in the recent hot weather, one health professional has suggested the ideal amount of time needed for people to reap major health benefits
Many Brits made the most of the recent hot weather over the weekend by flocking to beaches and parks to soak up copious amounts of sun. With temperatures hitting as high as 32.5°C in London, people were urged to slap on as much sunscreen as possible while staying hydrated.
Despite the safety precautions, it’s worth noting that the right amount of sun exposure can be good for you. Sunshine triggers our body into producing an essential nutrient – vitamin D. This crucial vitamin plays a major role in keeping calcium and phosphate at optimal levels in our bodies, which is vital for maintaining healthy bones, teeth and muscles.
A deficiency in vitamin D could lead to serious health issues. Children risk developing bone deformities such as rickets while adults might suffer from osteomalacia, characterised by bone pain associated with low vitamin D levels. Highlighting the importance of this issue, famed NHS surgeon Dr Karan Rajan, a TikTok sensation with millions of followers, shed light on the perfect amount of sun needed for optimal health. In a video posted on his account, he said: “All you need is 25 minutes of sun exposure a few times a week to max out your skin’s natural Vitamin D production.”
But Dr Rajan is not the only one offering guidance on the benefits of vitamin D. The NHS website said the nutrient helps “regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body”, which in turn “keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy”.
The health service did note some health conditions may worsen with too much sun exposure. When unsure, it’s always important to see your GP for advice, reports Gloucestershire Live.
You can’t overdose on vitamin D from sun exposure alone, so enjoy the natural benefits – but always prioritise safety. Remember to cover up or protect your skin if you’re out in the sun for extended periods to minimise the risk of skin damage and skin cancer.
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From late March to the end of September, most people should be able to get all the vitamin D they need from direct sunlight on their skin when outdoors.
According to the NHS, the Department of Health and Social Care recommends that adults and children over four take a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D throughout the year if they:
- Are not often outdoors – for example, if they’re frail or housebound
- Are in an institution like a care home
- Usually wear clothes that cover up most of their skin when outdoors
Vitamin D is also present in a small number of foods such as oily fish, red meat and egg yolks. Dietary supplements are another source of vitamin D, particularly recommended during the winter months when sunlight alone isn’t sufficient.
