Can You Get Enough Vitamin D Through A Window?

Though the NHS recommends all adults consider taking vitamin D throughout winter (’til about March), it turns out that not all versions of the supplement are the same. Some recent research suggests that vitamin D2 supplements may actually deplete your stores of vitamin D3, the kind more linked to a strengthened immune system. Vitamin D3 is also the kind that sunlight creates in your body when it comes into contact with your skin. But if two forms of vitamin D can have different effects on our bodies, does the type of light – ie, direct or indirect – matter too?In other words: does the sunlight streaming through your windows count?Can you get vitamin D through a window? Some good news: you will still get vitamin D by going outside on a cloudy day, the Royal Osteoporosis Society shared, though it may take a “little longer” to reach us.And you could, in theory, “get enough from your home by sitting by an open door or window,” too.But there’s a crucial word there: “open”. A shut window will not allow vitamin D to interact with your skin because the “glass in windows block the sun’s rays”.Dr Michael Holick, a professor of medicine, physiology and biophysics, previously told The New York Times: “It doesn’t matter if it’s winter or summer, you will make no vitamin D sitting in front of a window – zip.”That’s because the publication shared, “virtually all commercial and automobile glass blocks UVB rays”.Side note: though vitamin D is also available in foods like egg yolks, oily fish, red meat, fortified foods, and liver, the NHS says “it’s difficult for people to get enough vitamin D from food alone”. I’m beginning to understand their supplement recommendations a little better now...How can I get enough vitamin D?“To make sure you get the amount you need, let the sun shine on your face or arms for about 10 minutes between 11am and 3pm, but take care not to burn,” the Royal Osteoporosis Society said. Sunscreen does not seem to prevent the absorption of vitamin D, and it’s important to wear SPF30 and above, even in winter. Some caveats, though: in general, we cover more of our skin, spend more time indoors, and experience less daylight in winter. “Between October and early March we do not make enough vitamin D from sunlight,” the NHS said.People with darker skin, older people, people who cover up a lot of their body with clothes, and those who spend a lot of time indoors are at especially high risk of vitamin D deficiency and may need to supplement year-round.The NHS’ vitamin D recommendations for healthy people are:Babies (0-12 months) – 8.5-10 mcg/day (340-400 IU/day)Children (1 year and over) – 10 mcg/day (400 IU/day)Adults (including pregnant or breastfeeding people) – 10 mcg/day (400 IU/day).Related...Here's What Your Shadow Can Tell You About Your Vitamin D ProductionVitamin D Supplements May Weaken Your Immune System, But Only If You Take This TypeHere's How Much Vitamin D You Need, By Age

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Can You Get Enough Vitamin D Through A Window?

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