How Our Bodies Convert Sunlight Into Vitamin D

Marta Ribeiro avatar

by Marta Ribeiro |

Share this article:

Share article via email

Many amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients have a vitamin D deficiency, and recent studies have shown that this vitamin can benefit ALS patients. Vitamin D is often called the “sunshine vitamin,” mostly because we can get it naturally when the sun’s UV rays interact with our skin, which triggers the vitamin’s synthesis. This very important vitamin aids our body’s absorption of calcium to keep our bones strong and encourage healthy cells to grow.

Read six tips to help you manage your ALS.

Vitamin D can be found naturally in foods such as egg yolks, oily fish, and mushrooms. Some food products such as milk, orange juice, and breakfast cereals are fortified with it. However, the best source of vitamin D is the sun. This video from DNews explains how our skin converts sunlight into vitamin D–a process called dermal vitamin synthesis.

Read about six ALS therapies to improve quality of life. 

ALS News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.


Recommended reading