Vitamin D Society

Today, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Marc Sorenson, EdD, a passionate advocate for sunlight, vitamin D, and public health whose work inspired countless people around the world. Dr. Sorenson dedicated his life to educating others on the importance of sunlight and its profound impact on human health. His voice, research, and advocacy have left a lasting mark on the wellness and vitamin D community, and his contributions will continue to inspire generations to come.
We invite you to read the heartfelt tributes shared in his honor and, if you knew Dr. Sorenson personally or were impacted by his work, we welcome you to submit your own tribute as well.
Read more here:
https://www.grassrootshealth.net/.../tribute-to-the-late.../
With gratitude and remembrance,
The GrassrootsHealth Community 💛

Tribute to the Late Marc Sorenson, EdD - GrassrootsHealth Honoring the life and legacy of one of the most passionate and influential advocates for sensible sun exposure and vitamin D education Key Points Dr. Marc Sorenson’s lifelong work helped transform the conversation surrounding sunlight, vitamin D, and human health. Tributes from colleagues, friends...

To Fear or Not to Fear?
The relationship between sun exposure, sunscreen, skin cancer, and vitamin D is more complex than many of us realize.
For years, the message has often been simple: avoid the sun. But is the full picture more nuanced?
Sunlight plays an essential role in human health, including **vitamin D production**, yet questions remain about how to balance the benefits of sun exposure with the importance of protecting skin health.
In this GrassrootsHealth blog, they explore the science behind:
- Sun exposure and skin cancer risk
- The role of sunscreen in skin protection
- Vitamin D and its impact on overall health
- What current research tells us about finding a healthier balance
The goal isn’t fear, it’s understanding. Because informed conversations about sunlight and health matter.
Read the full article: https://www.grassrootshealth.net/.../to-fear-or-not-to.../

To Fear or Not to Fear? The Complicated Relationship Between Skin Cancer, Sunscreen, and Vitamin D - GrassrootsHealth A new randomized controlled trial confirms a dark side to regular sunscreen use, further complicating the relationship between sun exposure, sunscreen, skin cancer, and vitamin D Key Points Two important distinctions about the relationship between sunshine exposure and skin cancer should be made: 1)...

Could sunlight hold clues to better immune health?
For centuries, light has been used as a tool for healing, and today, researchers are revisiting its potential role in autoimmune disease, immune regulation, and overall health.
The conversation around sunlight is evolving. Beyond vitamin D production, emerging science is exploring how sun exposure and UV light may influence important biological pathways connected to inflammation, immunity, and wellbeing.
What can we learn from both history and modern research? And could a more balanced understanding of sunlight help reshape how we think about health?
🌞 Explore the science, the history, and the healing power of light in GrassrootsHealth latest blog. https://buff.ly/i7GcCjO

The Sun & Autoimmune Disease: Revisiting the Healing Power of Light - GrassrootsHealth A New Look at an Ancient Therapy Key Points Research suggests sunlight and UV exposure may help regulate immune activity and influence autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis through mechanisms that extend beyond vitamin D alone. In a recent clinical trial, individuals receiving narrowband UV...

The sun is not simply something to avoid. it’s a powerful biological signal that affects far more than vitamin D.
From supporting vitamin D production, immune health, circadian rhythm, mood, cardiovascular health, and cellular function, sunlight plays a vital role in human health. But getting it right requires more than just “more sun” or “less sun.”
How can you enjoy the benefits of sunlight while minimizing the risk of overexposure? 🌞
In this comprehensive guide, explore a smarter, more personalized approach to safe, intelligent sunlight exposure, including:
- Understanding UV intensity & timing
- Adapting exposure to your skin type
- Building sun tolerance gradually
- The role of nutrition in supporting healthy sun exposure
- Practical strategies for balancing benefits and safety
📖 Read the blog:

A Comprehensive Strategy for Safe, Intelligent Sunlight Exposure - GrassrootsHealth Practical tips and skin-nourishing nutrients to help implement intelligent sunshine exposure into your regular routine Key Points The goal of intelligent sun exposure is gradual adaptation and avoidance of sunburn, not complete sun avoidance. Modern indoor lifestyles may contribute to poor “light ...

Excellent advice on how to get enough sun: "There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. “It really depends on your skin, but everyone, in general, should practice sun safety,” Dr. Radisic says. One paper suggests a range of 5 to 30 sunscreen-free minutes a day for optimal vitamin D production."

Is the Sun Good for You? 5 Surprising Health Benefits Is the sun good for you? A doctor explains five health benefits of the sun and how to enjoy them safely.

Summary:
Low vitamin D levels could be quietly making breast cancer surgery recovery far more painful. In a new study, patients deficient in vitamin D were three times more likely to experience moderate to severe pain after mastectomy surgery and ended up using significantly more opioid medication to cope. Researchers say vitamin D may help regulate how the body processes pain through its effects on inflammation and the immune system.

Scientists discover strange link between vitamin D and pain Low vitamin D levels could be quietly making breast cancer surgery recovery far more painful. In a new study, patients deficient in vitamin D were three times more likely to experience moderate to severe pain after mastectomy surgery and ended up using significantly more opioid medication to cope. R...

Sunshine and Heart Health: More Than Just Vitamin D
When we think about sunlight and health, vitamin D often comes to mind first, but our bodies respond to sunshine in more ways than one. Sun exposure can help stimulate the production of nitric oxide, a naturally occurring molecule that supports healthy blood flow, blood vessel function, and blood pressure regulation.
Emerging research suggests that regular, sensible sun exposure may contribute to cardiovascular health through multiple biological pathways, highlighting that the relationship between sunshine and wellness extends beyond vitamin D alone.
Understanding these natural processes may help us take a broader view of how sunlight interacts with human health.
Read more:
https://buff.ly/4HCImRr

Heart-Healthy Chemicals Your Body Makes in the Sun - GrassrootsHealth How sunlight-triggered molecules such as nitric oxide and vitamin D can support blood pressure, circulation, and cardiovascular health Key Points Research shows that regular, non-burning sun exposure may support cardiovascular health by helping lower blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart dis...

Your Brain Needs Sunshine: The Powerful Connection Between Sunlight, Mood & Mental Health 🧠
In today’s busy, indoor world, many of us spend far less time in the sun than previous generations, yet sunlight plays a vital role in how we feel, think, sleep, and function.
Research continues to show that healthy sunshine exposure may influence important processes linked to mood, emotional wellbeing, sleep regulation, and brain health. From supporting serotonin and melatonin pathways to helping regulate our natural circadian rhythm, sunlight’s impact reaches far beyond what many people realize.
Sometimes, stepping outside for a few moments of natural light can be a meaningful part of supporting overall wellness.
What does the science say about the connection between sunshine, mental health, and the brain?
Explore the blog:
🔗 https://buff.ly/nWcJWAA

Your Brain Needs Sunshine: The Powerful Connection Between Sun, Mood & Mental Health - GrassrootsHealth From serotonin and endorphins to circadian rhythm regulation and emotional resilience, sunlight plays a far greater role in mental wellbeing than many people realize Key Points While getting enough vitamin D key to maintaining mental health, exposure to sunlight also promotes the production of beta-...

Sunshine deficiency may be one of the most overlooked public health issues of our time. Research suggests that insufficient sun exposure could contribute to hundreds of thousands of deaths each year in the United States and Europe, while also increasing the risk of many chronic diseases affecting modern society.
Studies have linked low sunshine exposure with higher risks of:
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Hypertension
• Breast & Colon Cancer
• Metabolic Syndrome
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Asthma
• Type 1 Diabetes
• Autism
• Myopia
One striking study found that women who avoided sun exposure had a mortality rate twice as high as those with the greatest sun exposure, with reduced life expectancy comparable to smoking.
Emerging research also continues to show that sunlight influences far more than vitamin D alone. Higher daytime light exposure has been associated with lower risks of gastrointestinal and pancreatic cancers, while increased sun exposure has also been linked to greater whole brain volume and increased grey matter, suggesting direct benefits for brain health beyond vitamin D production alone. 🌞
Human biology evolved under full-spectrum sunlight. Safe, sensible sun exposure may play a foundational role in supporting immune health, metabolism, brain function, cardiovascular health, and longevity.
✨ Sunshine is not the enemy, deficiency may be the real concern.
Read the full blog here: https://buff.ly/7mmm62G

Top Diseases Related to Sunshine Deficiency - GrassrootsHealth A lack of sunshine exposure can lead to decreased health and an increased risk of many diseases, also known as “Sunshine Deficiency” diseases Key Points 340,000 deaths per year in the United States and 480,000 deaths per year in Europe, as well as a rise in many diseases, could be attributed to ...

In this post GrassrootsHealth explains how sunlight is more than just vitamin D, it is a powerful biological signal that influences nearly every system in the body.
Different wavelengths of sunlight pe*****te the body in different ways and trigger unique biological effects that support human health, recovery, circadian rhythm, mood, energy, and healthy aging. 🌿
- UVB light helps stimulate the production of vitamin D, serotonin, and beta-endorphins
- UVA light promotes the release of nitric oxide, supporting cardiovascular health and circulation
- Blue light helps regulate circadian rhythm and healthy melatonin signaling
- Red, Near-Infrared, and Far-Infrared light support mitochondrial function, tissue repair, recovery, and anti-inflammatory processes
Research also shows that sunlight positively influences the microbiome on both the skin and in the gut, highlighting the deep connection between natural light and overall wellness.
Watch this special presentation from Dr. Alexander Wunsch, where he explores the emerging science behind sunlight, circadian biology, melatonin, mitochondrial health, red light, and the importance of balanced, sensible sun exposure. 🌞
Learn more about sunlight as a biological signal for health through: https://www.grassrootshealth.net/.../the-emerging.../

The Emerging Science of Full-Spectrum Sunlight and Human Health - GrassrootsHealth The unique biological consequences of full spectrum sunshine, including UVB, UVA, Red, Near Infrared, Far Infrared, and Blue Light Key Points There are several wavelengths of energy from sunshine that trigger specific actions within the body to influence our health; different wavelengths are able to...