Is 5 mins of sun enough
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Summary
2 papers analyzed
These studies suggest that 5 minutes of mid-day summer sun exposure is generally sufficient for most individuals to achieve adequate vitamin D levels.
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Introduction
The amount of sun exposure required to maintain adequate vitamin D levels is a topic of significant interest, especially considering the balance between obtaining sufficient vitamin D and minimizing the risk of skin cancer. This synthesis examines whether 5 minutes of sun exposure is sufficient for maintaining adequate vitamin D levels based on recent research findings.
Key Insights
- Casual Midday Summer Sun Exposure:
- Casual midday summer sun exposure, such as walking around for about half an hour, is generally sufficient to maintain adequate vitamin D levels (>50 nmol/L) in most individuals.
- Short Sunlight Exposures:
- Short exposures to UVB in summer sunlight, specifically around 13 minutes to 35% of the skin surface area, can produce sufficient vitamin D levels (>20 ng/ml) but may not reach the proposed optimal levels (>32 ng/ml).
Conclusion
While 5 minutes of sun exposure may contribute to vitamin D synthesis, it is likely insufficient to maintain adequate levels on its own. Longer exposures, such as 13 minutes or more, are generally recommended to achieve sufficient vitamin D levels, especially in regions with lower UVB intensity.
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