Vitamin D is referred to as the sunshine vitamin because it is the only vitamin that the human body can produce naturally after certain amounts of exposure to sunlight.

In addition to sunlight which helps the body produce vitamin D3 a person can also get D vitamins from other foods such as fish, but it isn’t the D3 vitamin specifically.

The human body produces this vitamin when it comes into contact with at least 15 minutes of UV exposure, therefore the body does produce it after tanning bed exposure as well as natural sunlight, but using SPF does block the rays enough to prevent enough exposure to make the vitamin. Vitamin D is linked to many health benefits and a lack of it is linked to many health ailments. For example vitamin D is said to help give us healthy and glowing hair, skin and nails. It is also linked to good bone health. On the flip side in many studies a lack of this vitamin has been linked to bone diseases such as osteoporosis, or holes in the bones.

Since vitamin D is obviously a very important vitamin it shows that minimal sun exposure is good for the body. In addition to producing vitamin D it helps to produce endorphins, which cause us to feel pleasure and happiness. So a little sunlight never hurt anyone – in fact it can help your entire body – from your bones to your hair.