☀️ Think Sunlight = Vitamin D? Think Again

We live in one of the sunniest countries on earth… so why are many of us still low in vitamin D?

It’s one of those health ironies — Australia is famous for its endless sunshine, yet vitamin D deficiency affects up to 1 in 4 Australians at some point during the year.

You’d think just stepping outside would be enough to meet our needs, but for many people, it’s not that simple.

Why So Many Australians Are Low in Vitamin D

There are a few modern lifestyle and environmental factors at play:

1. We’re sun-safe (and rightly so).Slip, slop, slap has been deeply ingrained — and for good reason. But sunscreen, long sleeves, and avoiding peak UV hours drastically reduce vitamin D synthesis in the skin.

2. We spend more time indoors.Work, study, gyms, and screens keep many of us inside for most of the day. Even short outdoor breaks often happen early morning or late afternoon when UV levels are too low for vitamin D production.

3. Winter and southern states matter.If you live in Victoria, Tasmania, or southern NSW, UV levels are too low in winter months for adequate vitamin D production — even with daily outdoor exposure.

4. Skin tone & age play a role.Darker skin tones naturally produce less vitamin D with the same sun exposure, and older adults have reduced capacity to synthesize it.

5. Gut and liver health affect conversion.Vitamin D needs to be converted into its active form in the liver and kidneys. Issues like gut inflammation, liver dysfunction, or certain medications can impair this process.

Taking all this together, it becomes clear why “just get some sun” isn’t always enough.

The Importance of Vitamin D Beyond Bone Health

Let’s give this the attention it deserves. Vitamin D is far more than a bone‑vitamin, think of it more like a hormone that influences over 200 genes.

Here’s how it helps:

• Bones & muscles: Vitamin D supports calcium absorption in the intestine and helps maintain healthy bone structure.

• Immune system & inflammation: Adequate vitamin D supports immune function and helps keep inflammation in check.

• Mood & energy: Low vitamin D is associated with fatigue, low mood and could play a part in seasonal blues.

• Heart, metabolic & hormone health: Emerging evidence links healthy vitamin D to balanced blood pressure, glucose metabolism, and hormone health (including fertility and PMS support).

• Recovery & wellbeing: With better vitamin D you can support muscle recovery, maintain mood stability, and just feel more resilient overall.

Why Supplementation Is Often Necessary

While sunlight exposure is helpful, relying solely on it just isn’t realistic for most people year-round.

A good quality vitamin D3 supplement (cholecalciferol) can help maintain healthy blood levels, especially through winter, for indoor workers, or anyone with limited sun exposure.

Some tips:

• Check your levels — your doctor or Herbalist/Naturopath can order a simple blood test. Optimal ranges are often higher than the basic lab reference range. Check this BEFORE supplementing!

• Choose D3 over D2, as it’s better absorbed and maintained in the body.

• Pair with vitamin K2 to support calcium balance and bone health.

• Support absorption — vitamin D is fat-soluble, so always take it with meals containing healthy fats.

A Holistic View

Your vitamin D status isn’t just about sunlight, it reflects your lifestyle, diet, gut, and overall health.

Optimising it can improve mood, immunity, energy, and even hormone balance.

So next time someone says “just get more sun,” remember, it’s not that simple!

Want to know if your vitamin D levels are optimal or need support choosing the right supplement? Book a consultation to get your levels checked and a personalised plan to restore balance naturally.

In health & happiness

Sarah Emily Herbalist