Can You Use Artificial Sunlight as a Sunshine Supplement?

Indoor UV devices are artificial sunlight options that can provide a wide spectrum of sunshine health benefits from UVA, UVB, visible light, red light and infrared waves

Key Points

If outdoor sunshine in any amount is not an option, or if you are unable to get as much exposure to sunlight as you would like, choosing an indoor UV device that produces a wider spectrum of light and energy might be a better choice and could act as your ‘sunshine supplement’
A new analysis of GrassrootsHealth participant data shows that those who were not supplementing with vitamin D but indicated using UV equipment in the past 6 months (such as a table top light or sunbeds at a tanning salon) were approximately 70% more likely to have vitamin D levels at or above 40 ng/ml (100 nmol/L) than those who did not use UV equipment or supplement
Another study concluded that exposure to lamps that produce UVB radiation are an excellent source for producing vitamin D3 in the skin

Sunlight provides extensive benefits for our health which result from exposure to its UV rays, visible light, and infrared rays, with each part of the sun’s spectrum having its own physiological effects on the body. The sun is our main source of these different wavelengths of energy, and regular exposure comes with many health benefits. While exposure to the sunshine at any time can provide almost the full spectrum, UVB rays that are needed to make vitamin D are not always readily available. And while the sun is meant to be our main source of vitamin D, most of us do not get the amount of midday sun exposure required to get adequate amounts of vitamin D from the sun. On top of that, during the winter months at latitudes above ∼35°, there is minimal, if any, vitamin D production in the skin from sun exposure.

What can be done during the winter months, or when going outside at midday, when UVB rays are available, is not an option for you?

Indoor UV Devices Can Provide Differing Aspects of the Sun’s Spectrum

When considering a source of artificial UV light, it is important to be aware of the type of UV or light emitted by the device, its safety, and the physiological effects it may produce, especially in terms of vitamin D. Indoor sun and UVB lamps and bulbs are effective at helping to boost vitamin D production in the skin, however, some of these lamps may only offer UVB and no UVA exposure, so vitamin D may be produced but not nitric oxide, and the full benefits of sunshine may not be achieved without exposure to the sun itself. However, since UVB rays may be the most difficult for some to obtain, using an indoor UVB option in addition to outdoor sunshine may be just the right fit. If outdoor sunshine in any amount is not an option, or if you are unable to get as much exposure to sunlight as you would like, choosing an indoor UV device that produces a wider spectrum of light and energy might be a better choice and could act as your ‘sunshine supplement.’

Click here to read the entire article from GrassrootsHealth.

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