Vitamin C isn’t made by the sun, despite what some people think. It’s actually found in foods like citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and leafy greens.
This confusion might come from mixing up vitamin C with vitamin D, which is created when your skin is exposed to sunlight. People might assume that since vitamin D comes from the sun, vitamin C does too.
But it’s essential to know where vitamin C really comes from.
Unlike vitamin D, you can’t make vitamin C by going outside in the sun. You need to eat foods rich in vitamin C to get enough of this important nutrient. Fresh fruits and veggies are a great source, no matter where you live or how much sunlight you get.
The claim “vitamin C is from the sun” is entirely inaccurate. Vitamin C, scientifically known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble nutrient that humans must obtain from external sources, primarily through diet. Unlike vitamin D, which is synthesized by the human body upon exposure to sunlight, vitamin C has no physiological connection to solar radiation.
Actual sources of vitamin C include a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits, are well-known for their high vitamin C content. Additionally, other excellent sources include strawberries, kiwi, guava, papaya, bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and kale. These foods provide ascorbic acid, which plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis, immune function, wound healing, and the absorption of non-heme iron from plant-based foods.
In contrast, vitamin D production is directly linked to sunlight.
When ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from sunlight penetrate the skin, they trigger the conversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol, a cholesterol derivative in the skin, into previtamin D3. This compound is then converted into active vitamin D (calcitriol) through additional processes in the liver and kidneys. Vitamin D is essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth, as it enhances calcium and phosphorus absorption in the gut.
It is essential to differentiate these two vitamins: while vitamin D synthesis is a biochemical process initiated by sunlight, vitamin C is solely acquired through dietary intake.
The misconception that vitamin C originates from the sun likely stems from confusion between the distinct roles and origins of these two vital nutrients. Understanding this distinction is critical for addressing nutritional needs accurately and avoiding misinformation.
Vitamin C is not produced by the sun, despite what some people may think. This common misconception likely stems from confusion between vitamin C and vitamin D, which is indeed synthesized in the skin when exposed to sunlight.
In reality, vitamin C can only be obtained through dietary sources such as citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and leafy greens.
Unlike vitamin D, which has a direct physiological connection to solar radiation, vitamin C has no link to sunlight and must be consumed through food intake. Fresh fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamin C, making them an essential part of a healthy diet.
It’s crucial to understand the difference between these two vital nutrients and their origins to address nutritional needs accurately and avoid spreading misinformation. Vitamin C is not from the sun, but rather from the foods we eat.