The Vitamin D Dilemma

According to Sydney Welch on NBCBoston.com (Welch, Nov. 16, 2023), anywhere North of the 37th parallel for latitude does not receive enough sun for the production of Vitamin D. Boston’s latitude is 42 degrees north, and the Upper Valley region is further north than that. This means between the months of November through February our skin is unable to produce Vitamin D (Welch, Nov 16, 2023).

Vitamin D is important as it  supports both our immune system and mental health. During these few winter months when we experience the Vitamin D dilemma, Welch states, “consider alternative sources of vitamin D, such as dietary supplements or vitamin D-rich foods and considering vitamin D supplements if recommended by health care professionals “. (Welch, Nov 16, 2023). According to the Harvard School of Public Health, Vitamin D is naturally rich in few foods, though often foods like dairy (animal & plant based) and cereals are found fortified with Vitamin D.  Even in eating fortified foods, this article states that, “For most people, the best way to get enough vitamin D is taking a supplement” (Harvard School of Public Health, March, 2023).

Based on this information, consider talking with your health care provider about an individualized plan for you, with the best ways to overcome the vitamin d dilemma this winter.

Works Cited:

Harvard School of Public Health . ” The Nutrition Source.” March 2023. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-d/. 24 January 2024.

Welch, Sydney. “NBCBoston.com.” 16 November 2023. https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/vitamin-d-deficiency-how-winter-sunlight-affects-our-health/3193518/. 24 January 2024.

Every Wednesday, CommunityCare of Lyme lifts up a wellness topic, embracing the widest possible definition of individual and community well-being. We include local and national resources, individual and group programs and practices, and personal stories, videos, or songs that have something to teach us all. We are always seeking guest contributors! 

If you have a wellness-themed topic you would like to share or learn more about, please reach out to shelby@cclyme.org

Shelby Wood
Manager of Volunteer Participation
CommunityCare of Lyme
Shelby@cclyme.org
802-468-7776 (cell)
603-795-0603 (CCL office and help line)