Low Vitamin D Despite Plenty of Sun? D2 vs D3, IU & Absorption Explained | Dr. Alyssa

📌 Can your vitamin D still be low even if you get plenty of sun? Hi, I'm Dr. Alyssa, a naturopathic doctor. Sunlight can help your skin make vitamin D — but getting lots of sun does not automatically mean your vitamin D level is covered. How much vitamin D your skin produces can vary depending on things like how long you're outside, how much skin is exposed, the time of day, your age, and skin pigmentation. And sitting beside a sunny window isn't the same as direct sun exposure — glass blocks most of the UVB needed for vitamin D production. So what if sunlight isn't enough? That's where food and supplements come in. But then another set of questions starts: What's the difference between vitamin D2 and D3? Does a bigger IU number mean a better supplement? Should you take vitamin D with food? And how do you actually know whether your vitamin D level is low? In this video, I cover: ✅ Sunlight & Vitamin D: Why being outside — or even having a tan — doesn't guarantee your vitamin D level is sufficient. ✅ What Affects Vitamin D Production: How time outdoors, exposed skin, time of day, age, and skin pigmentation can all make a difference. ✅ Sunlight Through a Window: Why bright sunlight through glass does not provide the same UVB exposure your skin uses to make vitamin D. ✅ Food Sources: How fatty fish, eggs, fortified foods, and supplements can contribute to vitamin D intake. ✅ Vitamin D2 vs D3: Why both forms can raise vitamin D levels, while overall research suggests D3 tends to raise blood levels more effectively. ✅ RDA vs Upper Limit: Why Canada's 600 IU daily RDA for adults through age 70 and the 4,000 IU adult upper limit mean very different things. ✅ Bigger IU Isn't Automatically Better: Why the right amount depends on your total intake, starting vitamin D status, and individual needs. ✅ Vitamin D With Food: What research suggests about taking vitamin D with a meal containing some fat — and why taking it on an empty stomach does not mean absorption drops to zero. ✅ Why the Same Dose Can Give Different Results: How factors such as body fat and conditions that affect fat absorption may influence vitamin D status. ✅ How to Check Your Vitamin D Status: Why a tan or how you feel cannot accurately tell you your vitamin D level — and how a blood test can measure vitamin D status. The takeaway? Don't assume plenty of sunshine automatically means your vitamin D is covered — and don't choose a supplement simply because it has the biggest IU number. Look at the form, the dose, and your own situation. 💬 Do you take vitamin D year-round, or mostly during the fall and winter? Let me know in the comments below! 🔔 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this video with someone who's trying to understand their vitamin D level or choose the right supplement. 🛒 Explore Nutridom Vitamin D formulas: https://nutridom.ca/products/vitamin-d3-1000-iu-25mcg-mct-oil-bones-teeth-immune-500-softgels https://nutridom.ca/products/vitamin-d3-2500-iu-with-mct-oil-high-absorption-240-softgels 📸 Follow us for more wellness tips: Instagram: @nutridomcanada Facebook: @nutridom TikTok: @nutridom Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, medications, supplements, or vitamin D intake. Individual vitamin D needs can vary, and routine testing may not be appropriate for everyone. Do not start, stop, or modify any treatment without first discussing it with your healthcare provider. If you have specific medical concerns, seek individualized care from a qualified healthcare professional. This content does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. #VitaminD #VitaminD3 #VitaminDDeficiency #D2vsD3 #VitaminDSupplements #HealthyAging #SupplementsOver40 #Nutridom