{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1868678,
        "msgid": "sun-exposure-alone-not-enough-for-vitamin-d-nih-reveals-key-determining-factors-1784479828",
        "date": "2026-07-19 22:58:00",
        "title": "Sun Exposure Alone Not Enough for Vitamin D, NIH Reveals Key Determining Factors",
        "author": "Putri Rosmalia",
        "source": "MEDIA_INDONESIA",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Health",
        "summary": "The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has clarified that sunbathing is not the sole determinant of vitamin D levels, as factors like skin colour, geography, and time of day play a crucial role. The agency emphasised that blood tests are the only accurate way to assess vitamin D status, which is vital for bone health and calcium absorption. Certain groups, including the elderly, are at higher risk of deficiency and may require fortified foods or supplements.",
        "content": "<p>The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has explained that while the\nbody produces vitamin D when skin is exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB)\nrays, the amount produced varies significantly between individuals.\nFactors such as exposure time, season, length of daylight, cloud cover,\nskin colour, and environmental conditions all influence production.\nConsequently, someone who regularly spends time in the sun may not\nnecessarily have optimal vitamin D levels.<\/p>\n<p>NIH stresses that a person\u2019s vitamin D status is not determined by\nhow often or how long they sunbathe, but rather by measuring the level\nof 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] in the blood. This compound serves as\nthe key indicator of whether the body has sufficient vitamin D or is\nexperiencing a deficiency. Vitamin D obtained from sunlight, food, or\nsupplements must first be converted in the liver and kidneys before it\nbecomes functionally active.<\/p>\n<p>Vitamin D plays a crucial role in helping the intestines absorb\ncalcium and phosphorus, nutrients essential for bone growth, formation,\nand renewal. A deficiency can lead to serious conditions such as rickets\nin children and osteomalacia in adults. For the elderly, adequate\nvitamin D combined with calcium intake is vital for maintaining bone\ndensity and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.<\/p>\n<p>NIH notes that obtaining enough vitamin D solely from natural food\nsources is difficult, as few foods naturally contain it. Fatty fish,\nfish liver oils, egg yolks, beef liver, and cheese provide limited\namounts, making fortified foods and sensible sun exposure important\nsupplementary sources. Certain groups are at higher risk of deficiency,\nand in cases where dietary intake and sunlight are insufficient,\nsupplementation may be considered under medical advice. For older\nadults, consulting a doctor to determine the correct dosage is\nparticularly recommended to maintain bone health and prevent injury.\nUltimately, vitamin D status is most accurately assessed through medical\ntesting, not merely by sunbathing habits.<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/sun-exposure-alone-not-enough-for-vitamin-d-nih-reveals-key-determining-factors-1784479828",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}