Spring Sunshine Is Lovely, But Does It Guarantee Sufficient Vitamin D Levels?

I have been living for the early days of spring. Between the chirping birds and rays of sunshine in the morning, the earthy smells after rain, and the first few flower buds poking their heads out of the newly sprouted green grass, my days have been filled with some of my favorite sights, sounds, and smells. Spring has definitely sprung, and I couldn't be happier! 

It's these kinds of mindful moments in nature that make us forget the seasons of our lives that are a little bit tougher on our mental, emotional, and physical health (*cough cough* winter). If you're feeling as good as I am lately, perhaps you're reevaluating your need for feel-good nutrients (like good old vitamin D).

While people living at higher latitudes (i.e., farther from the equator) that experience colder, darker climates through the winter are more prone to VDD, the presence of sunshine alone (whether throughout the year or during warmer spring and summer months) is not enough to make a significant impact on vitamin D status. 

In fact, a 2017 study on healthy Mexican adults over the age of 55 found that despite living in an area that has adequate sunlight during all seasons but winter, VDD was prevalent among participants year-round. Interestingly, researchers found that vitamin D status was affected by factors such as age, weight, waist circumference, and gender but did not find a correlation between sun exposure or dietary intake of vitamin D and VDD. 

Although the weather is warming up and sunny days are becoming increasingly common, now is not the time to ditch your vitamin D supplement. It's ridiculously difficult to reach sufficient vitamin D status with sunshine alone, even if you live in a location that's relatively sunny year-round (like Mexico, for example).