In actual fact, it is more accurate to perhaps call it shinning the sunlight on Vitamin D, for more than 90% of this crucial vitamin is produced by exposure to sunlight. A very small amount comes from diet (eggs, oily fish and some fortified cereals).

Vitamin D is well-known for its role in maintaining good bone health through its effects on calcium absorption, regulation of the parathyroid hormone and bone building. In recent years, however, evidence is emerging about its role in immune and gut functions as well as mental and cardiovascular health. Indeed, deficiency has been linked to risk of diabetes, heart disease, auto-immune disorders, mental illness and some cancers (bowel and breast) and obviously, osteoporosis. It is also important for fertility and good pregnancy outcomes.

With the effectiveness of Sun Smart messages, many of us have become unknowingly deficient in Vitamin D, increasing our risk of the above mentioned illnesses. Other factors include age, skin pigmentation (darker-skinned individuals produce less Vitamin D), lifestyle (being sedentary and spending not enough time outdoors), certain inflammatory gut conditions and some medications.

Addressing or preventing deficiency is commonly done by a 3-part strategy of sensible sun exposure, a good balanced diet and supplementation.

It is not easy to decide what constitutes a suitable amount of safe sun exposure, as this can vary from place to place, season to season and is influenced by differences in skin colour. You can check Osteoporosis Australia website for some general guidelines or speak to your health professional.

Supplementation is a safe and practical way for many to maintain good vitamin D status. A dose of 600 to 1000 IU is generally considered safe without the need for prior testing or regular monitoring. For those with a higher risk of or more severe deficiency, a higher starting dose and monitoring will be required. It generally takes 3-6 months to lift levels to within ideal range after which a maintenance dose may be suitable.

So there we are, the spotlight has been thrown onto one of the most important vitamins in modern life and now that spring has come, it is time to get out there and sensibly enjoy the sunshine and fresh air!