Myth or truth - you only need vitamin D in winter

Summer has been very kind to us this year and has spoiled us with plenty of sun and hot temperatures. Have you been able to really enjoy the sun?

You probably already know that our body can produce vitamin D3 in the skin when exposed to sunlight . Practical, right? Totally free and without any effort, you just have to go out!

Vitamin D is a true all-rounder that is absolutely essential for our immune system, healthy bones, good muscle function and many other processes in the body.

However, it's not quite as easy as you imagine, because...

...according to various studies, most people in Germany are underserved . Although the results vary between individual studies, it is repeatedly shown that 60-90% of the German population is underserved.

In the case of the studies, undersupply means that the amount of vitamin D in the blood is below 20 nanograms per milliliter - even in summer !

Summer has been very kind to us this year and has spoiled us with plenty of sun and hot temperatures. Have you been able to really enjoy the sun?

You probably already know that our body can produce vitamin D3 in the skin when exposed to sunlight . Practical, right? Totally free and without any effort, you just have to go out!

Vitamin D is a true all-rounder that is absolutely essential for our immune system, healthy bones, good muscle function and many other processes in the body.

However, it's not quite as easy as you imagine, because...

...according to various studies, most people in Germany are underserved . Although the results vary between individual studies, it is repeatedly shown that 60-90% of the German population is underserved.

In the case of the studies, undersupply means that the amount of vitamin D in the blood is below 20 nanograms per milliliter - even in summer !

But if we can produce vitamin D ourselves through the skin, why are so many people under-supplied even in summer? From April to September the sun should really boost vitamin D production in the skin, right?

In theory, yes. In practice, this is not so easy, even in summer. Most people still don't go out into the direct sun enough in the summer and usually use far too much sunscreen! The use of sunscreen then prevents vitamin D3 synthesis.

But that is not all . The skin's ability to produce vitamin D also decreases with age. Older people often suffer from a vitamin D deficiency, even in summer.

Other risk factors for vitamin D3 deficiency that may apply to you:

• They work primarily indoors
• You are chronically ill
• They mainly wear long clothing, even in summer
• You have dark skin
• They are in need of care
• You are overweight

So should you also take a vitamin D supplement in summer?

Yes! Additional supplementation is particularly important if you fall into one or more risk groups.

If you feel unsafe, a blood test from your family doctor can also provide information about your own vitamin D level. Unfortunately, you still have to pay for such a blood test yourself, even though the deficiency is so widespread in Germany.

Since vitamin D3 “works” synergistically with vitamin K2, this vitamin is naturally contained in our product .

Whether in summer or winter, if you want to maintain your vitamin D levels, our vitamin D3 + K2 from HS Activa is ideal.

Extra tip for natural sun protection: Coconut oil, along with olive oil, is one of the best oils that you can use for natural sun protection (SPF 8). Coconut oil also has a very pleasant smell and gives the skin a beautiful shine.

Enjoy the summer!

Yours, Josef Hölzl