Vitamin D Light Therapy

A fat-soluble vitamin, Vitamin D, including vitamin D2 and D3, can be obtained from food, supplements, sunlight, and artificial light. For those diagnosed with a Vitamin D deficiency, light therapy may be prescribed.

Benefits of Vitamin D

Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, which helps support strong bones. According to the Mayo Clinic, research has indicated that Vitamin D may protect against high blood pressure, osteoporosis, cancer and some autoimmune diseases.

Vitamin D Deficiency

Inadequate exposure to sunlight, combined with inadequate intake of Vitamin D from food sources and supplements, can result in a deficiency of Vitamin D.

Vitamin D Light Therapy

Light therapy involves getting out in the sun every day or spending time each day under special light bulbs. These bulbs are very bright, with 5000 lux (a measure of light levels) or more.

Best Time to Schedule Light Therapy

Light has benefits any time of the day. But light therapy obtained in the morning has slightly more benefits, according to The Body Blues.

Effects of Too Much Light

According to The Body Blues, overexposure to sunlight and UV rays can cause skin cancer, cataracts or the eye-condition mascular degeneration. Too much artificial bright light can trigger mania in people with bipolar disorders, or jittery and anxious feelings in healthy people.