Research suggests that those who always feel tired might be lacking vitamin D, which is synthesized in the body when exposed to sunlight. (Image : Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jan.19 (Korea Bizwire) – Research suggests that those who always feel tired might be lacking vitamin D, which is synthesized in the body when exposed to sunlight.
The English journal ‘Daily Mail’ quotes the research of Professor Emad Al Duzahiri and his team at Queen Margaret University, Scotland, which concludes that you might be lacking vitamin D if you always feel tired, and need to be exposed to sunlight in order to gain it efficiently.
Vitamin D is synthesized in the body when skin is exposed to sunlight. By exposing 10 percent of one’s skin for 15 to 30 minutes every day, an individual can synthesize a sufficient amount of vitamin D.
Vitamin D is known to increase physical energy levels and lower blood pressure.
The research team analyzed the physical energy levels of subjects who participated in the study before and after taking in vitamin D. The subjects rode bicycles to measure their physical energy levels, and the results showed that those who had a sufficient amount of vitamin D could ride bicycles for longer periods of time using less energy.
The team also warned that vitamin D deficiency not only causes fatigue, but is also linked to diabetes, insulin resistance syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and certain cancers.
Although the best way to get vitamin D is to be under the sun, it is now common for people to try to limit exposure to sunlight.
The increased number of hours spent indoors has resulted in a subsequent decrease in the amount of natural sun exposure, and people are even making efforts to avoid the sun to prevent the aging of skin and skin cancer.
Of note, women lacked vitamin D more than men as they apply sunscreen to avoid UV exposure.
Experts explain that synthesizing vitamin D through sunlight is recommended, but taking in vitamin D supplements under the direction of a doctor could help overcome a deficiency.
The Daily Mail also added that salmon, tuna, mackerel, mushrooms and eggs are abundant in vitamin D.
By Francine Jung (francine.jung@kobizmedia.co.kr)
