"Vitamin D deficiency is common in Vietnam, despite being a tropical country with plenty of sunshine. The main reason is the modern lifestyle, which leads people to spend less time outdoors and avoid sun exposure, especially among women and office workers. Covering up, using full-body sunscreen, or living in a polluted environment also prevents the skin from receiving enough UVB rays to synthesize vitamin D," shared Dr. Tran Thi Minh Hanh, Head of the Nutrition and Dietetics Department at Hoan My Saigon Hospital, on the sidelines of the Scientific Conference "Comprehensive Approach and New Technologies in Modern Medicine" held on October 25th.
According to Dr. Hanh, vitamin D is not abundant in food but is mainly synthesized by the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight, especially UVB rays. These rays are strongest from 10 am to 3 pm, helping to convert provitamin D in the skin into its active form in the blood.
Dr. Tran Thien Minh Hanh shared this at the conference.
PHOTO: AT
Vitamin D is not only important for bone health but also plays a role in immune regulation and the prevention of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. Many studies have shown that low vitamin D levels are associated with poorer insulin sensitivity, increased susceptibility to glucose metabolism disorders, and a higher risk of diabetes. Individuals with sufficient vitamin D also have a better immune response, reducing the risk of infection, especially during the cold season when influenza viruses are more active.
Dr. Hanh advises that just 10-15 minutes of sun exposure each day, covering the arms, legs, and back, is enough for the body to synthesize vitamin D naturally without excessive supplementation. However, it's important to note that while sun exposure before 9 am is beneficial for health due to contact with the natural outdoor environment, it's not enough for vitamin D synthesis because the UVB rays are insufficient at that time. Elderly people, patients with sedentary lifestyles, or those with kidney disease should consult a doctor for advice on vitamin D supplementation through medication, with appropriate dosage and form, avoiding self-medication as vitamin D is fat-soluble and can accumulate and cause toxicity if taken in excessive doses.
Sunlight is a free gift that provides the body with vitamin D, but it needs to be used properly.
ILLUSTRATIVE PHOTO: AI
"Sunlight is a free gift that provides vitamin D to the body, but it needs to be used correctly. Just 10 minutes of proper sun exposure each day, between 10 am and 3 pm, will help keep the body healthy, boost immunity, reduce minor illnesses, and prevent many chronic diseases," shared Dr. Hanh.
The best time to get the most UVB rays from sunlight is when your shadow falls at or below your height, approximately between 10 am and 3 pm. At that time, the UVB rays are strong enough for your skin to effectively synthesize vitamin D.
Also at the 2025 Annual Scientific Conference organized by Hoan My Saigon Hospital, more than 30 in-depth research topics covering many key fields such as Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Endoscopy, Orthopedics - Spine Surgery, Neurology - Stroke, Diagnostic Imaging, Oncology, Intensive Care, Urology, Nutrition, Nursing… were presented and discussed by leading experts from many major hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City.
Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Bao Long, Director of Hoan My Saigon Hospital, shared that the 2025 scientific conference continues the spirit of scientific research over the years, constantly innovating and improving the quality of medical examination and treatment, aiming for comprehensive, humane, and advanced medicine for the health of the community.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bac-si-loi-ich-tuyet-voi-cua-phoi-nang-10-phut-moi-ngay-185251025183107246.htm
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