Getting enough vitamin D is vital, UAE doctors say

As well as in sunlight, vitamin D can also be found in oily fish and eggs and is important to maintain healthy bones and muscle.

DUBAI // Despite the summer fast approaching, getting enough sun is as important as ever, especially in a country where people have vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D can also be found in oily fish and eggs and is important to maintain healthy bones and muscle. It has also been found to help protect against diabetes and hypertension.

Traditional dress and a reluctance to venture outside during summer are other factors contributing to a deficiency in the UAE.

Consultant dermatologist Dr Khashayar Ghiassi said many people in the UAE have a vitamin D deficiency as they do not go outside enough.

“Those with fair skin need exposure for just seven minutes a day, five days a week, to harvest required vitamin D from sunlight,” Dr Ghiassi said. “All it takes is to expose 20 per cent of our bodies to benefit from vitamin D.

“Just three to five times a week in the sun is enough to avoid a deficiency in vitamin D. It can also be ingested through diet – fish is a good source.”