A lot has been spoken about ill effects of sun exposure. However, this is the first time when a nutrition expert from University of Greenwich has talked about benefits of sun exposure. Dr. Tatiana Christides, who is a Senior Lecturer in Human Nutrition at the university’s School of Science, is of the view that exposure to sun is the basic source of vitamin D.

She has therefore recommended UK adults that they should grasp this opportunity between May and September. These months have appropriate sunlight that is needed for body and if one would take most of this opportunity then he would be storing enough of vitamin D for the rest of the year.

Locations could differ and in that case one can start going out in the sun from April. Tatiana explains the process of vitamin D restoration in the body. She affirmed that when a certain ultraviolet wavelength hits the skin then synthesizing process initiates which leads to vitamin D formation.

Intake of vitamin D rich food is also beneficial for the body and is best if coupled with sun exposure. Having eggs and oily fish are the two best food items to get vitamin D in abundance. Tatiana states that equally important is that one should have complete knowledge about vitamin D sources, and its pros and cons.

She further affirmed that from a very long time only negative things are being talked about excessive sunshine exposure. Everything should be in moderate and this is the reason that she advocates that one should have knowledge about it.

Those who are at risk to have vitamin D deficiency are expecting mothers, children, elderly people and adults already suffering from other illnesses. Christides said, “But there will always be people falling between these groups, so if someone is indoors a lot or covers their skin for cultural reasons, they could be at risk. Communication and education is key”.