Sunlight does not contain vitamin D, but it helps our bodies produce vitamin D. When our skin is exposed to sunlight, it converts a cholesterol-like compound into vitamin D.
Here's a breakdown:
- Sunlight is not vitamin D. It is a source of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, specifically UVB rays.
- UVB rays trigger vitamin D production in the skin. This process starts with a compound called 7-dehydrocholesterol, which is converted into previtamin D3 and then into vitamin D3.
- Vitamin D is essential for bone health, immune function, and other bodily processes. However, excessive sun exposure can be harmful and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Therefore, while sunlight is vital for vitamin D synthesis, it is not vitamin D itself.
