Q: I’ve heard that sun exposure might be better than pills for getting vitamin D.  How much time do you need in the sun without sunscreen to get a good dose?

A: A lot depends on geography, time of year, time of day and the shade of your skin.  Someone with fair skin can get adequate vitamin from about three weekly sessions of 15 to 20 minutes in the summertime.  If you were in a northern locale, you might need twice that.  People with darker skin need more time in the sun to make the same amount of vitamin D.

Your dermatologist will not be happy about this concept.  Most warn that any sun exposure without sunscreen is hazardous.

• Article by Joe and Teresa Graedon
• Copyright The Seattle Times

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