Can You Get Vitamin D From LED Lights? The Surprising Truth

The Basics: What Is Vitamin D and Why Do You Need It?

Vitamin D—often called the "sunshine vitamin"—is essential for a healthy body. It helps your body absorb calcium, supports your immune system, and plays a crucial role in muscle function. Without enough of it, you could face serious health issues like weakened bones or even increased susceptibility to certain diseases.

I remember the first time I felt the effects of a vitamin D deficiency. It wasn’t dramatic, but I was constantly feeling tired and a bit achy, especially in the winter. That’s when I realized I wasn’t getting enough sunlight. It was a wake-up call—something I never really paid attention to until it started affecting me directly.

Vitamin D is primarily produced by your skin when it’s exposed to sunlight. But what happens when you're stuck inside all day—especially in the colder months, when sunlight is limited? That's where LED lights come into play, and you may be wondering, "Can they help with my vitamin D levels?"

Can LED Lights Actually Help You Make Vitamin D?

Well, here’s the deal: LED lights, like the ones in your home, aren’t typically effective for vitamin D production. Unlike sunlight, which contains ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, the light emitted from most LEDs doesn’t have the necessary wavelength to trigger the production of vitamin D in your skin.

So, yeah, it’s kind of a bummer. I remember talking with a friend last week about how I was trying to find alternative ways to boost my vitamin D levels during the winter. She mentioned using special UVB light lamps, and I was like, "Wait, do LED lights count?" Sadly, no.

UVB Light: The Key to Vitamin D Production

To produce vitamin D, you need UVB light. These rays are the ones that interact with your skin to create the vitamin. Unfortunately, typical LED lights don’t emit UVB rays—it's mostly the UV light spectrum that includes UVA and UVC, which are irrelevant for vitamin D synthesis.

I mean, imagine getting excited about a new fancy LED light setup only to realize it's not going to give you any more vitamin D than your regular light bulbs. Talk about a letdown! If you want to get your vitamin D fix from light, you need to look for UVB lamps specifically designed for that purpose.

The Role of LED Lights in Your Health—Other Benefits

Okay, okay, so we’ve established that LEDs won’t help you produce vitamin D. But wait! LED lights still have some pretty cool benefits for your overall health. They’re energy-efficient, they last longer than traditional bulbs, and they don’t emit a lot of heat, which can be a bonus in the summer months.

Honestly, I’ve become a bit of a fan of these LED lights in my own home. A couple of months ago, I switched all my light bulbs to LEDs, and the difference was noticeable—especially in terms of my electricity bill. Plus, with the right color temperature, they can even help regulate your sleep patterns. I’ve heard some people say they’re less harsh on the eyes compared to fluorescent lights too.

Blue Light and Sleep Disruption

You’ve probably heard about how blue light—often emitted by LEDs and screens—can disrupt your sleep. Well, this is one thing you’ll want to be cautious about. Exposure to blue light, especially late at night, can interfere with your circadian rhythm and make it harder to fall asleep. It’s something I’ve experienced personally (more times than I’d like to admit), especially after binge-watching Netflix. If you're trying to get a better night's sleep, consider using "night mode" settings on your devices or investing in light bulbs that limit blue light exposure.

What Are the Alternatives to LED Lights for Vitamin D?

Now, you’re probably asking, "What can I do if I want to get more vitamin D but I don’t want to sit in the sun all day?" Well, the easiest way is, of course, to step outside and soak up some natural sunlight. Aim for around 10–30 minutes of sun exposure a few times a week, depending on your skin type and where you live.

But if you’re like me and live in a place where sunlight is limited (Paris winters, anyone?), you might need to get creative. I recently bought a UVB light therapy box to help combat the winter blues and boost my vitamin D. It’s not quite the same as lounging in the sun, but it does help, and it's been a game-changer during the gloomy months.

Supplementing Vitamin D

If you’re really concerned about your vitamin D levels, supplements are a quick and easy solution. I’ve started taking them during the winter, and honestly, I’ve noticed a difference. Before that, I was feeling sluggish, but now I have more energy and a better mood.

Conclusion: No, LED Lights Won’t Give You Vitamin D, But…

So, can you get vitamin D from LED lights? Unfortunately, the answer is no. But don’t be too disappointed—there are plenty of other ways to boost your levels of this essential vitamin. Step outside when you can, look into UVB lamps, or add supplements to your routine. And remember, LED lights are still great for your home in other ways—like saving energy and improving your sleep (if used correctly).

If you’re feeling the winter blues or your energy is lagging, take action now. A little sunshine, a UVB lamp, or a vitamin D supplement could go a long way in improving your overall health.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.