Vitamin D - Lights

johannajebediah
johannajebediah Posts: 55 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I wasn't sure which forum to post this in but I guess vitamin deficiencies would be considered a nutrition topic.
I've recently heard of vitamin d lamps which emit a light that mimics sunlight and provides you with enough vitamin d. i know that lots of people experience vitamin d deficiencies in the winter which can often lead to seasonal depression. I live in a cold place in Canada and we don't have much sunlight in the winter, especially since I'm indoors all day in class.
I'm wondering if anyone has a vitamin d lamp or has tried one and could recommend a good brand or if its worth the money?
I've come across a website called vitamindlamps and they have more affordable ones but I don't know if it's a gimmick or if it really works.
THANKS!

Replies

  • rompers16
    rompers16 Posts: 5,404 Member
    Why not just take a Vitamin D supplement?
  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,412 Member
    I call gimmick.

    Go to a reputable medical website like PubMed, WebMD or MayoClinic.

    For sunlight-simulators to work, you still need to expose something like 60% of your skin surface for 10-20 minutes. If the "lamp" is like a table-top thing, it's a scam. You don't increase Vit D production by having it on your desk in the morning. It may help regulate your internal clock, or help you wake up by getting more light, but it's not going to increase Vit D production.
  • weliveaswedream
    weliveaswedream Posts: 56 Member
    I would talk to your doctor about this. Sunlight simulators are a real thing and a therapy that is often used for individuals with SAD (Seasonal Affect Disorder) as Vitamin D is linked to mood. However, I wouldn't just go buying a lamp off of the internet without first consulting a medical professional.
  • rosieg1979
    rosieg1979 Posts: 99 Member
    Just take a vitD supplement..
  • Forestpoet
    Forestpoet Posts: 1
    I certainly understand your struggle and desire for a light, rather than just a supplement. I cannot tolerate supplements at all in any form because of an autoimmune condition I have, and have finally resorted going to a tanning salon. I just heard about the light boxes as well, but someone above posted that 60 percent of the body has to be exposed--that makes sense to me. I'm not a fan of tanning salons--don't really care about tans, but I have found that going and taking the minimum amount of exposure (5 minutes) has really helped. I will slowly increase, and keep it at safe levels (have had some skin cancer in the past!) My understanding is that the light has to be UVB to work correctly. It seems that the folks at the tanning place I go to know all about this, so you might ask them. Anyway, good luck, and I'll be interested in knowing if you find out more about in-home lights. The main problem with the tanning salon, of course, is expense!
  • johannajebediah
    johannajebediah Posts: 55 Member
    I certainly understand your struggle and desire for a light, rather than just a supplement. I cannot tolerate supplements at all in any form because of an autoimmune condition I have, and have finally resorted going to a tanning salon. I just heard about the light boxes as well, but someone above posted that 60 percent of the body has to be exposed--that makes sense to me. I'm not a fan of tanning salons--don't really care about tans, but I have found that going and taking the minimum amount of exposure (5 minutes) has really helped. I will slowly increase, and keep it at safe levels (have had some skin cancer in the past!) My understanding is that the light has to be UVB to work correctly. It seems that the folks at the tanning place I go to know all about this, so you might ask them. Anyway, good luck, and I'll be interested in knowing if you find out more about in-home lights. The main problem with the tanning salon, of course, is expense!

    yeah, i think lights are the best way to optimize vitamin d, and i am also skeptical about the effectiveness of pills.
    do you worry about skin cancer risk with going to tanning beds, though?
  • Firefox7275
    Firefox7275 Posts: 2,040 Member
    Cod liver oil is a good source of vitamin D in a form humans evolved to absorb and utilise. It's generally also rich in vitamin A so don't exceed the recommended dose. If you prefer real food eat more very oily fish like mackerel and eggs.

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