Lighting for Vitamin D Deficiency: What You Need to Know

FACTS CHECKED BY  Bob Smith

Are you looking for easy ways to get enough Vitamin D? Vitamin D bulbs could be a good solution! Many people don’t get enough of this nutrient due to poor diet and lack of sunlight exposure. Fortunately, Vitamin D bulbs produce light that mimics the UV rays from the sun. These bulbs can be used at home or work and provide a convenient way to get your daily dose of Vitamin D. In this article, we’ll discover some benefits of lighting for Vitamin D deficiency and their effectiveness. Keep reading to learn more!

Why Do We Need Vitamin D, and What Does It Do?

Vitamin D is a nutrient that helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus. These two minerals help keep your bones strong and healthy.

Your body can produce Vitamin D, but it needs sunlight. And this is why Vitamin D deficiency is such a problem—people simply aren’t getting enough sun exposure.

Food that is rich in Vitamin D

Food that is rich in Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency

Although Vitamin D deficiency symptoms can be challenging to detect, some common indications are:

For many people, the first sign of a deficiency is a bone fracture due to weakened bones. Also, children with Vitamin D deficiency are more likely to have rickets. It is a condition that results in weak and deformed bones.

Vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency

So, how do you ensure you’re getting enough Vitamin D? In addition to spending time outdoors, you can also use a Vitamin D lamp.

How Does a Vitamin D Lamp Work and What Are Its Benefits?

Generally, humans need two types of Vitamin D: Vitamin D2, which comes from the yeast, plants, and fungi. On the other hand, the skin produces Vitamin D3 when exposed to the sun or ultraviolet light.

A Vitamin D lamp is a device that uses artificial light to produce Vitamin D in the body. Most Vitamin D lamps have a UVB output similar to the sun. Unlike sunlight, which also contains harmful UVA rays, Vitamin D lamps only emit UVB rays.

Vitamin D lamps supply Vitamin D when there isn’t enough sunlight. They work by simulating sun exposure.

The skin produces pre-Vitamin D3 due to exposure to UVB light, which quickly turns into Vitamin D3. Afterward, it travels to the liver, where it becomes 25-hydroxyVitamin D3. This form indicates an individual’s Vitamin D levels.

Also, a portion of Vitamin D goes to the kidneys. After that, it becomes 1,25-dihydroxy Vitamin D, boosting calcium levels throughout the body.

Therefore, you can use the UVB tool that creates Vitamin D3, which minimizes the chances of non-melanoma skin cancer.

When sitting in front of this device, ensure you’re 15 inches away. Also, wear the attached glasses to protect your eyes from harmful UVA.

Benefits of Vitamin D coming from the sunlight

Benefits of Vitamin D coming from the sunlight

How Effective Are Vitamin D Bulbs?

Vitamin D and mental health

Did you know that Vitamin D can also help support healthy mental health?

There is a growing body of research. It suggests that Vitamin D plays a vital role in preventing depression, including seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

One study found that people who suffered from SAD had lower levels of Vitamin D than those without the condition. The researchers concluded that supplementing with Vitamin D may help to prevent and treat seasonal depression.

Liquid Vitamin D

Liquid Vitamin D

Vitamin D and its various impacts on the immune system

According to scientific findings, Vitamin D impacts the immune system and overall wellness. It improves immunity and defense against infection. But a deficiency of Vitamin D opens one up to developing chronic illnesses.

One study showed that 10.8% of patients who received Vitamin D contracted influenza A. But, 18.6% of placebo patients did. It means that the developing influenza A was less than those supplementing with Vitamin D.

In other words, getting enough Vitamin D during winter is crucial for immunity and overall health. Narrow-spectrum UVB light does what sunlight does: it helps our bodies make more Vitamin D.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Due to The Lack of Vitamin D

Research indicates that Vitamin D deficiency causes the severity of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

The study found that 84% of 100 patients have rheumatoid due to Vitamin D shortage. Yet, only 16% of patients had normal levels of Vitamin D.

Further, those with lower Vitamin D levels generally had more severe disease cases. Following UVB light treatments, most patients exhibited decreased inflammation and felt better.

In several studies, 106,368 women with early signs of rheumatoid got UVB radiation. The purpose of this was to increase their Vitamin D intake.

Therefore, the probability of RA decreased by 21%. These results imply that UV-B increases Vitamin D intake. Also, it reduces the chance of developing RA.

Light therapy

Light therapy

Vitamin D’s Role in Developing Osteoporosis

Vitamin D is not only important for keeping bones healthy. Several studies that used placebos investigated the vitamin’s effect on developing osteoporosis.

To compare the results, participants in two groups got different treatments. The first group had UVB light to get Vitamin D. The second received a placebo.

Consequently, the group that took Vitamin D displayed a 30% decreased number of hip or non-vertebral fractures. But the other group didn’t show this progress.

Vitamins for bone

Vitamins for bone

Best Lighting for Vitamin D Deficiency

Sperti KBD Sunlamp – UVB Phototherapy Lamp

With four UVB lamps, this product can run up to 1000 hours. Since each session should only last 5 minutes, you will get a lot of use out of this lamp. Also, the integrated timer lowers the risk of overexposure. Plus, it makes it easy to monitor your progress.

Even though UVB rays are not as harmful as UVA rays, still, they pose several risks. Consequently, users must be cautious and follow safety precautions. For instance, you should protect their eyes with special glasses.

Rayminder M260

The Rayminder M260 has a lamp that lasts twice as long as the Sperti Vitamin D Sunlamp. So you can rest assured knowing it will last for years to come.

You set the timer on this machine only for 60 minutes. So you have to use it with care to avoid getting burned. Also, the lamp comes with glasses covering and protecting your eyes.

What Are the Other Ways to Increase My Vitamin D Intake?

There are several other ways to increase your Vitamin D intake. Eating more foods rich in Vitamin D is one option. Nuts, eggs, fish, and mushrooms contain this essential nutrient.

Vitamin D sources

Vitamin D sources

Another way to acquire it is through supplements like cod liver oil or multivitamins. 

Finally, sunlight! While limiting your exposure to UV light rays is important, getting enough sunlight is critical. Spend more time outdoors, especially in winter and early spring, when UVB levels are strongest.

This way, you can help prevent a Vitamin D deficiency. So try taking a walk outside daily or soaking up some sun at the beach on the weekend. You can boost your Vitamin D levels and improve your health with little effort!

FAQ

Is There a remedy for a Vitamin D deficiency?

You can remedy a Vitamin D deficiency by eating foods rich in this nutrient and taking supplements. Yet, if your deficiency is severe or persistent, you should speak with your doctor. He will determine the best course of action for addressing it.

Are Vitamin D bulbs safe?

It depends on the type of Vitamin D bulb you use. Some UVB bulbs can be harmful if not used correctly. As such, it’s essential to always follow safety precautions and consult your doctor before using a Vitamin D bulb.

Can you get Vitamin D from LED lights?

You can get Vitamin D from LED lights. Ultraviolet B LEDs are more efficient in producing Vitamin D3 than natural sunlight.

Can SAD light therapy be a viable replacement for Vitamin D supplements?

The SAD lightbox can’t help with Vitamin D deficiency. They work through different processes. However, they use the visible light spectrum to stimulate the retina, changing the circadian rhythm.

Does using a solarium provide Vitamin D?

Solariums emit UV light primarily in the UVA range, which can elevate your Vitamin D levels. Yet, we do not recommend it because it harms your skin.

Solarium cabin

Solarium cabin

Summary

Now that we’ve reached the end of our article. A Vitamin D lamp can help boost your Vitamin D levels as long as you take the necessary precautions. 

Whether you suffer from SAD or want to improve your overall health, one of these lamps may be right. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.

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