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Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays many vital roles in your body.

One of the best ways to get vitamin D is through sunlight.

What Research Says

Research has not found that vitamin D supplements change skin tone.

Woman applying facial moisturizing cream to face, looking into bathroom mirror

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However, skin tone may affect vitamin D levels.

Your skin tone may change how your body absorbs vitamin D through sun exposure.

It also helps protect your skin from sun damage due to ultraviolet light.

Melanin production and vitamin D production are linked.

The pop in and amount of melanin typically influence skin color.

The more melanin skin has, the less vitamin D the body can synthesize from the sun.

Daily vitamin D needs aredetermined by your age and gender.

Sources of Vitamin D

you might get vitamin D from three different sources.

How to Safely Supplement With Vitamin D

Vitamin D supplements are mostly considered safe when taken properly.

However, there are a few safety concerns.

To take vitamin D supplements safely, follow dosage directions closely and talk with a healthcare provider.

Contact a healthcare provider if you think you may have a vitamin D deficiency.

In adults, vitamin D deficiency may lead to bone fractures and osteoporosis.

As a result, some supplement products may not contain the ingredients listed on the label.

Whenchoosing a supplement, look for products independently tested or certified by organizations such asNSF,U.S.

Summary

Vitamin D is a key nutrient in your overall health.

you might get vitamin D through dietary supplements, specific foods, and sun exposure.

People with more melanin in their skin may not obtain as much vitamin D from sunlight.

Taking vitamin D supplements properly is key because too much vitamin D can cause toxicity.

Talk with a healthcare provider to learn if you may benefit from a vitamin D supplement.

National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Vitamin D: fact sheet for health professionals.

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MedlinePlus.Hypervitaminosis D.

MedlinePlus.Vitamin D deficiency.