How Much Sun Does It Take to Make Vitamin D?

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elnorawill of AK 1:33PM April 06, 2010

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deryckmull of HI 1:33PM April 06, 2010

In Finland, infants were routinely given 4500 iu daily in the form of cod liver oil. When the dosage levels were lowered to 400, which is adequate to prevent rickets, type 1 diabetes levels skyrocketed. If we were to use 4500 iu, we could substantially do away with that disease as well as protecting from most autoimmune disease and cancers. That is dosing children directly.
A person with light skin would produce 25,000 iu of vitamin D near the equator within two hours of midday sun. That is probably a decent dose. I have been taking 10,000 iu for a year and my blood levels (25 Hydroxy 3) are only 45, which is the low end of the new recommended range of 40-70. Toxicity is found at 200, and often higher.
To get Vitamin D from the sun you need to live south of Atlanta, have light skin, not use sunscreen, not wash with soap for 48 hours and spend 15-20 minutes near noon with 40% of your skin uncovered.
Calculations from studies on Vitamin D show that, for every person who dies of skin cancer from UV overexposure, more than two hundred will die from other cancers, like lung, breast, prostate and colon, as a result of low vitamin D levels.

Karen Vaughan of NY 4:14PM August 22, 2009

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Aphdczcq of AZ - Arizona 12:31PM July 13, 2009

It's obvious that there is disagreement on this, like many similar "warnings", findings, and study results. I say, read it all, listen to the "experts", then use common sense. Sun exposure provides vitamin D. Children need sun exposure. Too much of even a good thing is harmful whether we're talking food, fun, or sunshine. Everybody has an opinion, but parents should follow their own instincts which are usually rooted in good old fashion common sense.

Sherry Innes of AK 3:09PM April 21, 2009

At the local grocery I buy straight vitamin D gel caps of 1,000 IU. At that level one capsule should be fine. This is according to the latest data I've read.
The brand name I use is 'Naturally Preferred' which recently began selling the 1,000 IU cap but for several years only sold a 400 IU. The 1,000 IU product is slightly more expensive but also a better value.
Since there's been an increase in awareness of the importance of vitamin D in the last several years I'd expect it's now easier to find it at an appropriate level at just about any major grocery or pharmacy.
The manufacturer states that you should not exceed 2 caps per day except as directed by a physician.
Be sure to buy from a reputable manufacturer.

eric of OR 3:25PM December 02, 2008

Dear Ms. Shute:
YOu obviously misread the calculator output. You would have 0 hours of vitamin D production on October 17 in Rome. The last day that any sun was available for vitamin D was September 30.

Frederick N. Dyer of GA 5:46PM October 20, 2008

Cod liver oil contains toxic amounts of Vitamin A. The Vitamin D Council does not recommend anyone, child or adult, take cod liver oil to obtain vitamin D.

John Cannell of CA 11:34PM October 18, 2008

I have been taking only 1 soft gel which has 1000 mg in each gel, but as i read on the bottle 1 soft gel only has 80 IU in it but also has vit. A and E and other Omega 3's also. This is a Carlson product. I would have to take 5 soft gels in order to get 400 IU's and I prefer not to take that many. I also take other supplements plus a multi. Vit.E, C. Calcium w/D, are the others. I do make sure I'm not over doing and get enough sun in the summer months only. I am in good health and 73 yrs young. I realize this is not a parenting question but I thought you might have some comments. Thanks!

Pat of OH 5:52PM October 17, 2008