Can You Get Vitamin D Through a Window Screen? All FAQs

After a week of remaining at home throughout the day in the COVID situation, I found myself exhausted. Then I consulted with the doctor and discovered I had a vitamin D deficit. But, I didn’t realize why and how it happened as I sat before the living room window screen to soak up sunlight. I hope now you can relate.

Can you get vitamin D through a window screen? The basic answer is, No, you will not get the necessary vitamin D through a window screen. The reason is that window screens block almost 99% of the UV rays of sunlight. You can’t get enough Vitamin D from the other 1% of UV rays.

Well, in this regard, I will share more details I have learned after researching this topic. Hopefully, it will be helpful for you.

What is Vitamin D?

According to the research of the National Institute of Health, Vitamin D, is a fat-soluble vitamin. This vitamin can be found in limited amounts in some foods, is fortified with other ingredients, and is sold as a supplement.

It can also be synthesized naturally when the skin is exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) type B rays, which activate the body’s natural production of vitamin D.

Why Is Vitamin D Important?

Vitamin D is necessary for bone construction and energy production. From a study by the National Health Service, I learned that calcium and phosphate levels are two minerals that Vitamin D aids in controlling. And healthy bones, teeth, and muscles require these nutrients.

Due to Vitamin D deficiency, bone pain from osteomalacia in adults and rickets in children are two common symptoms. The federal government recommends that all citizens take a vitamin D supplement every day from fall through spring.

What Are The Benefits Of Sunlight During Windows?

If you want the benefits of sunlight through windows, you should keep them open. Now, what are those benefits?

• Sunlight produces vitamin D, which is important for bones, skin, and other organs.
• Sunlight helps to fight depression.
• Sunlight helps to maintain a sound sleep cycle.
• Sunlight keeps our nervous systems active and increases productivity.

Dieticians recommend staying in direct sunlight daily, at least for 20-30 minutes. So, if you don’t want to go out, then put a chair beside your window and sit when sunlight is coming through it.

Can You Get Vitamin D Through A Window?

Yes, you can get enough vitamin D through a window when it is open. You will get direct sunshine if there is no obstruction like a window screen or glass. And it will then produce vitamin D in your body.

However, the amount of vitamin D that you can get through the window is not equal to when you take a sun bath on the roof or outside. That is because just a fraction of your body is exposed to the sun if you sit by the window.

But acquiring free time for a sun bath is not so easy when everyone is busy with their everyday job. If that’s the case, working close to a window is the way to go.

Can You Get Vitamin D Through A Window Screen?

You can’t get vitamin D through a window screen. Well, the window screen prevents the UV rays of the sun from getting in. And that’s the reason you can get enough light through it but not the necessary vitamin D.

The holes in the window screen are so tiny that you can get enough sunlight and some heat only. But, since it prevents almost 99% of the ultraviolet rays, you can’t get enough vitamin D.

Is Sunlight Through A Window Harmful?

Sunlight through a window is not so harmful if it is closed. Because if the sunlight comes through a window screen, your skin will not get in contact with the UV rays. But, as you know, the window screen can’t stop the sun’s heat.

So there is a possible risk of sunburn if you are exposed to sunlight for a long time. But, if there is no window or porch screen, then it will be both, good and bad for you.

Without a window screen, the sunlight gets in with UV rays. It will be good for you since it will provide necessary vitamin D. But if you stay for a long time in the sunlight, these UV rays will be harmful to your skin. It may cause different skin diseases, like skin cancer.

Moreover, if any furniture is placed close to the window, it may fade. The shine will be gone. After purchasing a new sofa set, I placed it by the side of the window. After 2 weeks, I noticed the shine was almost gone while others were shiny.

How To Get Vitamin D In Winter?

There are different sources from which you can get vitamin D. Fatty fish, like salmon, mainly wild salmon, mackerel, tuna, eggs, and mushrooms, are good sources of vitamin D. In the dark winter, you can consume them.

Moreover, there are vitamin D-fortified foods, including milk (coconut, almond, cow, or soy milk). And vitamin D supplements, which can also be consumed for nutrition.

Another excellent source of vitamin D that nutritionists also suggest is taking a sun bath. The direct sunlight on the skin helps to produce that nutrition in the body. 

In winter, the chance of the appearance of the sun is very low. I personally love eating salmon to get vitamin D in the winter. If I find sunlight, I must take sunbathe. I also shift my desk beside the window for direct sunlight at that time.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you can understand that you can’t get a sufficient quantity of vitamin D through a window screen. And the reason is that it blocks almost all UV rays.

The skin and the body benefit greatly from vitamin D. In this regard, I propose you spend at least half an hour in the sun every day. And if you’re staying inside, ensure the window is open to get some natural light. Avoid putting furniture in a spot that will be directly exposed to sunlight.