{"id":938,"date":"2026-04-06T06:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-06T06:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/picsura.com\/?p=938"},"modified":"2026-04-06T06:30:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T06:30:00","slug":"vitamin-d-deficiency-despite-sun-exposure-common-mistakes-that-affect-absorption-and-how-to-fix-them-the-times-of-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/picsura.com\/?p=938","title":{"rendered":"Vitamin D deficiency despite sun exposure: Common mistakes that affect absorption and how to fix them – The Times of India"},"content":{"rendered":"

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In the midst of abundant sunshine, a surprising number of Indians suffer from vitamin D deficiency. Often, the cause is untimely sun exposure or obstructions such as glass or pollution. For people with dark skin, the production of this important vitamin is made more difficult by indoor lifestyles.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Strange contradictions exist in everyday life. People can go outside and feel the warmth of the sun, but routine blood tests show they have low vitamin D levels. It feels unfair and almost confusing. After all, sunlight has always been considered the simplest source of this nutrient.However, the body does not function by thinking. Works conditionally. And if those conditions shift even slightly, vitamin D production and use can quietly collapse.Many studies reflect this concern. Studies published by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) have repeatedly highlighted the widespread presence of vitamin D deficiency among urban and semi-urban populations, even in a tropical country like India.<\/p>\n

So what’s wrong?<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n

When sunlight isn’t actually sunlightDr. Sirag Tandon simply explains, “Vitamin D production in the body occurs only when the skin is directly exposed to sunlight, and not only between 10 am and 3 pm.”That one word changes everything.Many people go out early in the morning or late in the evening, believing that they are putting in enough effort. However, the UVB rays necessary for vitamin D synthesis are strongest only during the midday hours.Then there are hidden barriers. Sitting near a sunny window does not count. Glass blocks UVB. Limit exposure by covering most of your body with clothing. Continuous use of high SPF sunscreens can also reduce vitamin D production.Add another layer: air pollution. Studies, including those referenced in the government’s environmental health report, show that particulate matter in polluted cities can block UVB entry.Therefore, the sun may be present, but the body will not truly receive it.<\/p>\n

Skin color, lifestyle, and invisible slowdowns<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n

Not all bodies respond to sunlight the same way.Darker skin has more melanin, which naturally reduces the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D. This is not a defect, but it does mean a longer exposure is required.Next is lifestyle. Long hours indoors, screen-heavy routines, and minimal outdoor activity all reduce meaningful exposure.Dr. Tandon adds, “Vitamin D production can also be slowed by pollution and dark skin.”It becomes a silent accumulation of small mistakes. None of them look serious on their own, but together they look unbalanced. <\/p>\n

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Factors such as pollution, skin tone, low-fat diet, and magnesium deficiency further complicate the problem. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Absorption issues that most people overlook<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n

Even if sun exposure is appropriate, the story doesn’t necessarily end there. The body needs vitamin D to be properly absorbed and activated. And this is where things often go wrong.Dr. Tandon explains, “Whether or not you’re exposed to enough sunlight, your body may not be able to absorb or utilize enough vitamin D.”Several factors play a role.<\/span><\/p>\n

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