Tips for fixing vitamin D deficiency without raising cancer risk

While the body needs adequate vitamin D, it is about striking a balance and avoiding excessive sun exposure.

Green explains that vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining bone health, immune function, and muscle activity. 

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While the body can manufacture its own source through food and sun exposure, it requires careful consideration to avoid risks of skin cancer and other health issues.

If you are sedentary and/or overweight, you are at particular risk of vitamin D deficiency. Green warns against 'not getting sun exposure, being on our devices, being inactive, and being indoors for a large part of the day'.

He adds that excessive drinking can contribute to a deficiency, as the liver and kidneys regulate the body’s vitamin D.

Green recommends 10 to 15 minutes of midday sun exposure to produce sufficient vitamin D.

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“The UVB rays, the angle at which those rays strike the earth, is important. If you are out and exposed between about 12 pm and 1.30 pm, you only need about 10 to 15 minutes of exposure to that sunlight to have sufficient vitamin D synthesis.”

You can also increase your vitamin D intake with supplements. 

To listen to Green in conversation with CapeTalk’s Pippa Hudson, click below: