It is a widely held assumption that people living in sunny countries have adequate Vitamin D levels. Research consistently challenges this. Studies from Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and other sun-rich countries in the region regularly report high rates of insufficient Vitamin D levels in the population — sometimes higher than in northern European countries.
Why sun exposure alone is not enough
Vitamin D synthesis in the skin requires direct UVB radiation on bare skin, at sufficient intensity, for enough time. Several factors reduce this in practice: modern indoor working and living environments mean most people spend the majority of daylight hours inside; clothing that covers the arms and legs blocks UVB from reaching the skin; sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher reduces D3 synthesis by more than 95%; air pollution in urban areas filters UVB; and glass windows block UVB entirely.
UVB angle and season
UVB from the sun only reaches the surface at sufficient intensity when the sun is at an angle greater than 35 degrees above the horizon. In Lebanon, this window narrows significantly in winter months, and even in summer, the late morning to early afternoon window is when the most UVB is available — the very time many people are indoors.
The practical solution
For people who cannot reliably get 15-20 minutes of unprotected midday sun on significant skin surface area daily, Vitamin D3 supplementation is a practical and evidence-supported approach. Pairing D3 with K2 helps direct absorbed calcium appropriately.
Available in Lebanon
Supplements & More carries Vitamin D3 K2, delivered across Lebanon with cash on delivery.