Can sunbathing supplement calcium?

In life, many people believe that regular sunbathing can supplement calcium. After the sun shines on the skin, it can be converted into vitamin D needed by the human body, which can promote calcium absorption. Therefore, they often walk in the sun. The sun is warm and it feels very comfortable on the body. However, you must not sunbathe under the scorching sun. So, can sunbathing supplement calcium?

It is a normal function of the human body that when ultraviolet rays shine on the skin, the cholesterol in the body will automatically convert into vitamin D. A small number of people will have problems with this process, especially children, who will have problems absorbing calcium, affecting their growth and development. This is rickets.

1. Avoid excessive exposure to the sun

Sunbathing is a bad thing. Excessive ultraviolet rays can also damage the skin. Therefore, especially for children, it is best to sunbathe between 9-10 am or 4-5 pm in the summer. You don't have to sunbathe directly in the sun. You can sunbathe in the shade. The ultraviolet rays are strong enough under the shade of trees outdoors.

However, for premature babies, do not rely solely on sun exposure to supplement calcium, because the skin of newborns is delicate and they may develop solar dermatitis if they are not careful. Just give them some vitamin D supplements.

2. The duration of sunbathing varies according to the season and latitude.

The best effect can be achieved through an organic combination of UV intensity and exposure time. In northern my country, from late spring to early autumn, when the sun is abundant, exposing your arms, face and neck outdoors for a dozen minutes a day is enough.

If it is winter, the UV intensity may be weaker, and since only the face can be exposed, the time may have to be extended.

3. Don’t use glass or sunscreen.

The purpose of sunbathing is to get exposed to ultraviolet rays, so you cannot wear sunscreen, otherwise it will be like sunbathing in vain.

Also, don't sunbathe through glass. Once filtered through the glass, the visible light will not be affected much, but the ultraviolet rays will be greatly damaged, which defeats the purpose of sunbathing.

When sunbathing, you should not wrap yourself too tightly. You should expose as much skin as possible so that the ultraviolet rays will be effective when they hit the skin.