In this post, I will answer the question: Can you get Vitamin D through a window? It’s an interesting question that deserves an answer. Indeed, can you actually do that? First, you have to know the facts about how Vitamin D is formed. Then based on that information, you can learn the answer to this important question.
What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is one of the essential nutrients that the body needs. Unlike Vitamins A, B, C, and E, it’s acquired through a different manner. The rest of the vitamins are typically obtained through food. Vitamin A comes from vegetables (carrots, spinach, broccoli), Vitamin B from cereals and rice, Vitamin C from citrus fruits (oranges, guavas, lemons), while Vitamin E comes from green leafy vegetables (broccoli, spinach), nuts, and vegetable oils.
How is Vitamin D Acquired by Your Body?
Some people obtain their Vitamin D needs from food, such as milk, egg yolk, tuna, salmon, cheese, leafy vegetables, fortified tofu and other Vitamin D fortified foods. However, not everyone knows that Vitamin D’s natural source is sunlight. Yes, Virginia, you can get 90% of your Vitamin D from this simple source.
Your body has the ability to produce the inactive Vitamin D, which stays in your skin. All you have to do is to inactivate it by exposing your skin to sunlight. When the sunlight permeates the skin it reacts with the precursor of Vitamin D, which is 7-dehydrocholesterol. This is because the Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation of the sun helps inactivate the substance into a form of cholesterol (Cholecalciferol). With the help of the small intestines and the kidneys, this is converted to Calcitriol or Vitamin D3, which is the most active form of Vitamin D.
Functions of Vitamin D in the Body
So, what are the functions of Vitamin D in the body? Here are its functions:
Boosts Bone Development
The primary function of Vitamin D is in the formation of bones. This is done by the ability of Vitamin D to increase the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the small intestines. Calcium and phosphorus are essential electrolytes needed in bone formation and teeth formation.
Together with calcium, Vitamin D promotes the mineralization of the bones to strengthen them and prevent osteomalacia in adults and rickets in children.
Strengthens the Immune System
Because Vitamin D is utilized in various physiological reactions in the body, it helps strengthen the immune system. When your body’s self-defense mechanism is strengthened, your risk of contracting severe illnesses, such as cancer, lung and heart ailments is reduced. Thus, your life expectancy is increased.
Prevents the Occurrence of Hypocalcemic Tetany
Hypocalcemic Tetany is a dreaded condition that’s always fatal. Its symptoms are locked jaw and tensing of bones and muscles. Hence, you need your Vitamin D to prevent this from occurring. This neuromuscular function of Vitamin D is crucial in promoting normal muscle health.
Reduction of Inflammation and Modulation of Cell Growth
Vitamin D reduces inflammation and helps in modulating cell growth. If Vitamin D is deficient, your body would easily be inflamed and your cells would grow profusely, which can result to cancer. People, especially children, who spend long winter days, without sunshine, may have Vitamin D deficiency. So, be wary of this and feed them more of Vitamin fortified foods.
People, especially children, who spend long winter days, without sunshine, may have Vitamin D deficiency. So, be wary of this and feed them more of Vitamin fortified foods.
Can You Get Vitamin D Through A Window?
How to Get Your Daily Dose of Vitamin D?
Experts recommend that you get your 5 to 30 minutes dose of Vitamin D between 10 am to 3 pm, through the direct exposure of your skin to sunlight. You can do this twice or thrice in a week. This is sufficient to supply your body’s needs. Of course, if you have skin cancer, or other serious illnesses, you have to consult first your doctor. Sunlight is destructive to a number of individuals, who can be adversely affected by its radiation properties.
Now, let’s answer the question: Can you get Vitamin D through a window? The answer is “yes”, BUT there are conditions that you have to follow.
Answer
Yes, you can get your Vitamin D through a window; provided that:
- You must sit in the portion that is directly hit by sunlight
- Your skin must be bare without any covering
- The window must not have a glass covering, because the type of glass may not allow UV sunlight penetration
- The window must be wide enough to accommodate sufficient sunlight for most parts of your body
Conclusion
Now you know the answer to the question: Can you get Vitamin D through a window? Hopefully, with this information, you would be able to obtain your Vitamin D adequately from your own window. Bear in mind that it’s important that you should get enough Vitamin D to keep you healthy and live a longer life than most people of your age.
