Sun is better than UV, which is better than Vitamin D
Sun is the best
Vitamin D levels produced by the sun last longer than those produced by supplements
Benefits to Multiple Sclerosis from Sun produced vitamin D are much better than those from supplements
Sun also produces Nitric Oxide that helps many health problems - such as cardiovascular
Health benefit of Sunlight is more than Vitamin D in the blood - many studies
Light (especially UV) and Health conference – Germany June 2015
The sun provides more health benefit than vitamin D – Dr. Lucas podcast – May 2015
340,000 US deaths annually due to insufficient sun (some due to low vitamin D) – July 2020
Which Is Worse - Avoiding Sunlight or Vitamin D Deficiency – April 2019
Nature deficiency leads to disease (less sun, less Vitamin d) – Feb 2019
UV is good too
UV improves immune system without increasing vitamin D levels in male mice – Sept 2012
Light (especially UV) and Health conference – Germany June 2015
UVB produced 8X more vitamin D as solar UV – July 2012 perhaps UV source is better if it has very little UVA
Start gradually with the sun/uv and minimize getting even a slight reddening of the skin the next day
The sun only produces a useful amount of vitamin D when your shadow is shorter than you are.
Might start the season with just a few minutes of noonday sun
The more skin exposed, the more vitamin D you will get for the same amount of sun/uv time
As vitamin D levels build up you are able to handle more time in the sun/uv without reddening
See also VitaminDWiki
20 cent vitamin D pill similar to 2 hours sunbathing at 60 degree latitude – RCT Aug 2013
UV reduces cardiovascular and metabolic problems– Vitamin D plus Nitric oxide – Sept 2023
Sun and UV a meta-page
Many wavelengths of light provide health benefits, not just UV – March 2016
Increase your vitamin D from the sun by wearing a tan-through instead of standard shirt
- tan-through T shirt provides about as much vitamin D as wearing shorts
See also Wunsch
Is this better than Vitamin D - sunlight (Wunsch, Mercola) - March 2015 several by Wunsch
Sunlight & Health Update 2021 Vimeo includes COVID discussion