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Winter time occasional sun - what does this mean for me and vitamin D?
When it's winter in New Zealand (May to August), the good news is that the risk of sun damage is very low.
However you may be worried about vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for good bone health and muscle function. Low levels are linked with bone conditions such as rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults. The main way we get vitamin D is from the action of sunlight on our skin.
The Ministry of Health recommends from May until August we be active outside for 30 minutes a day in the middle of the day and if possible, have our faces, arms and hands uncovered.
If you’re outdoors for extended periods of time, such as out on the water, out in the mountains and/or snow or playing golf over the midday period, you should use the five SunSmart steps to protect your skin and eyes from ultraviolet radiation harm.
If you’re worried that you may be at risk of vitamin D deficiency – talk to your GP.