Does Sunbeds Give You Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is often referred to as the sunshine vitamin because our bodies can produce it when skin is exposed to sunlight. In the UK, this process happens mainly between late March and early October when the sun’s rays are strong enough. For this reason, some people wonder whether using sunbeds could be a substitute for natural sunlight, particularly during the darker winter months when vitamin D levels can drop. Understanding the difference between natural sunlight and sunbeds is important when considering how best to support your health and vitamin D intake.

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How Vitamin D is Made in the Body

When your skin is exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from the sun, it starts a process that converts a substance in the skin into vitamin D. This then travels through the liver and kidneys to become active vitamin D, which the body uses to maintain healthy bones, muscles, and immunity. The strength of UVB rays depends on factors such as season, time of day, skin tone, and how much skin is exposed. In the UK, it is difficult to make enough vitamin D from sunlight between October and March, which is why supplements and dietary sources are often recommended during this time.

Do Sunbeds Produce Vitamin D?

Sunbeds mainly produce ultraviolet A (UVA) rays rather than UVB. UVA rays are responsible for tanning but are not effective at producing vitamin D. While some sunbeds may emit a small amount of UVB, it is not a reliable or safe way to generate vitamin D. The ratio of UVA to UVB in sunbeds is very different to that of natural sunlight, meaning that even if some vitamin D is produced, it comes alongside high exposure to UVA which carries risks for skin health.

The Risks of Using Sunbeds

While natural sunlight in moderation supports vitamin D production, sunbeds are associated with significant health risks. UVA radiation penetrates deeper into the skin and is strongly linked with premature ageing and skin cancer. The NHS and other health authorities advise against using sunbeds for vitamin D because the potential damage outweighs any small benefits. Unlike sunlight exposure outdoors, which also encourages activity and fresh air, sunbeds provide only concentrated UV rays without the added benefits of being outside.

Better Ways to Support Vitamin D Levels

The safest and most effective way to maintain vitamin D levels in the UK is through a combination of sunlight, diet, and supplements. During spring and summer, short periods of sun exposure to the skin most days is usually enough for most people. In the colder months, food sources such as oily fish, fortified cereals, and eggs can help, although many people still find it hard to meet their needs through diet alone. This is why public health guidance in the UK recommends that adults consider a daily vitamin D supplement, particularly in autumn and winter.

Why Supplements Are a Safer Option Than Sunbeds

Unlike sunbeds, vitamin D supplements provide a safe and controlled way to maintain adequate levels of the vitamin without the risks associated with excessive UV exposure. They allow you to meet your body’s needs consistently, regardless of the season or your lifestyle. Multivitamins that include vitamin D can also help support other aspects of health such as immunity, energy, and overall wellbeing. For people who cannot or prefer not to take tablets, multivitamin gummies are a popular and convenient alternative that make it easy to stay on track.

The Bottom Line on Sunbeds and Vitamin D

Sunbeds are not a safe or reliable source of vitamin D. They deliver high doses of UVA radiation that damage the skin while providing little of the UVB needed to stimulate vitamin D production. The best approach is to get sensible sun exposure when possible and to use supplements during the months when the sun is not strong enough in the UK. In this way, you can support your bone, muscle, and immune health without putting your skin at unnecessary risk.

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