Feb 27, 2013

Vitamin D deficiency - exposure to sun helps

In a report published in the news paper, it is stated that vitamin D deficiency can cause weak bones, obesity, chronic pains and depression. Exposure to sun helps in increase of vitamin D levels in the body which helps in quick recovery in case of fractures, and so on. Lack of vitamin D manifests itself through acute pain in the feet, shoulders, neck and joints in some individuals, as per the report. Also there is possibility of low immunity levels, diabetes, etc.
One can have sufficient vitamin D simply by exposure to sun without paying extra money.It is reported that fair skin people need about 20 min/day exposure to sun 3-4 times a week, whereas for dark skin people, it is 30-40 min exposure a day for 3-4 times a week. The ultraviolet-B radiation from sun which is intense during mid day helps to make this vitamin. One should keep moving while having sun exposure and stationary people will receive sun burns.
From the above, for working people who have to put long hours (forced/voluntary) by going to office early and coming out in the late evenings; spending the day in cubicles; not venturing out, etc are more prone to side effects of this vitamin D deficiency. Thus, though we may be in the good books of the boss for  EXTRA hard work by spending more hours in the work place, after few years when we become sick due to vitamin D deficiency, we will be sick and also fall  from the grace (of the boss).

http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/diet-and-nutrition/soak-up-some-sun/article4455404.ece