HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Is The Best Time To Soak In Sunlight While Having Low Vitamin D Levels During Pregnancy?

default
Posted on Thu, 7 Sep 2023
Question: My vitamin D level is very less 8 ng/mL ,I am Pregnant and taking Vitamin D supplements once in a week ,So what are the best time range from morning till evening to take sunlight for vitamin D ,I am living in XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
No particular time frame...

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

It is not the time range but the duration of exposure that matters. The more time skin is exposed to the sun, the more vitamin D body secretes. Furthermore, darker skin needs more exposure than light skin for the same amount of Vitamin D secretion.

Therefore try spending more time under the sun as and when feasible for better vitamin D production.

Also, remember using a sunscreen lotion will reduce skin exposure. And walking with huge cloud cover will reduce skin exposure. Both the context will reduce vitamin D production.

Hope I am clear. Let me know if you need clarifications.

Regards,
Dr. Prasad, General & Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (6 hours later)
Thanku doctor for ur reply i just want know how many hours i can spend daily and i am taking sunlight from glass as i am sitting inside office and doing my work
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (14 hours later)
Brief Answer:
No specific time period...

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

There is no stipulated/required time period of sun exposure. As I explained in my previous answer, there are multiple factors which influence vitamin D secretion - skin color/tone, amount of skin exposed (full sleeves/half/sleeveless/full paints/half), amount of cloud cover and so on.

On average, some experts recommend at least 20-30 minutes of sun exposure. But again, all those factors play a role. For example, 20-30 minutes may not be sufficient for a dark-toned individual.

Hence to all my patients, I suggest to stay/walk under the sun as much as possible. It's not going to harm you after all.

Hope I have answered your query.

Regards,
Dr. Prasad, General & Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Prasad J

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 3708 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Is The Best Time To Soak In Sunlight While Having Low Vitamin D Levels During Pregnancy?

Brief Answer: No particular time frame... Detailed Answer: Hi, It is not the time range but the duration of exposure that matters. The more time skin is exposed to the sun, the more vitamin D body secretes. Furthermore, darker skin needs more exposure than light skin for the same amount of Vitamin D secretion. Therefore try spending more time under the sun as and when feasible for better vitamin D production. Also, remember using a sunscreen lotion will reduce skin exposure. And walking with huge cloud cover will reduce skin exposure. Both the context will reduce vitamin D production. Hope I am clear. Let me know if you need clarifications. Regards, Dr. Prasad, General & Family Physician