Winters witness fewer daylight hours that often lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It can cause one major problem that is less exposure to sunlight leading to many health-related problems. The sun's UV ray is important for bones, blood cells and immune system. Soaking under sunlight, the body forms Vitamin D that are not easily available in foods. And sadly due to several reasons, we are unable to get enough of sunlight in winter, which causes Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamins for Healthy Skin: 4 Micronutrients You Need to Fight Ageing, Acne and Pigmentation.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps in the absorption of calcium, iron and phosphate. The body creates Vitamin D from direct sunlight on our skin when we're outdoors. It is recommended to spend at least 15-20 mins in sunlight any time between 11 am to 3 pm where body parts like forearms should be uncovered, which will allow UV rays to get through the skin. Dark-skinned people will have to spend more amount of time in the sun to get the required amount of Vitamin D when compared with lighter tone skin individual. How to Reduce Skin Cancer With Vitamin A.

Health Problems Caused Due to Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D absorption in the body during winter will lead to healthier gut microbes and make it resistant to infection and inflammation year-round. Vitamin D deficiency can reduce the density of bone which can lead to osteoporosis. In children, its deficiency causes rickets, a rare disease that causes the bones to become soft and bend. Apart from this by getting yourself less exposed to sun, you might experience bone pain, muscle pain and weakness.

If you are unable to get Vitamin D through sunlight, then make sure you include fatty fish like tuna, salmon in your diet along with egg yolk. Vegetarians can go for a mushroom to get this essential nutrient, however, that wouldn't be enough to match up with the required quantity. In that case, an individual will have to think for Vitamin D supplements, which should be taken after the consultation from a doctor.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 25, 2020 09:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).