Dark Skin, D Deficient? Salt Lake's Sun Lie

By Franklin Everett Shaw

August 9, 2025

The biting wind whips off the Great Salt Lake, carrying with it a chill that seeps into your bones. But it’s not just the cold that’s the problem. For many dark-skinned residents of Salt Lake City, Utah, the lack of sunshine, combined with their natural skin pigmentation, creates a perfect storm for Vitamin D deficiency. This isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it’s a serious health concern that demands attention and, more importantly, action.

Vitamin D deficiency is a silent epidemic, and it disproportionately affects those with darker skin. Melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, acts as a natural sunscreen, reducing the skin’s ability to produce Vitamin D from sunlight. In sunny climates, this isn’t usually a problem. However, Salt Lake City, despite its often-sunny skies, has a high altitude and experiences significant seasonal variations in sunlight intensity, especially during the long winter months.

The combination of these factors creates a unique vulnerability for Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC) living in Salt Lake City. They need significantly more sun exposure than their lighter-skinned counterparts to produce the same amount of Vitamin D. And during the winter, even that increased exposure might not be enough.

So, what can be done? Let’s dive into a practical guide tailored specifically for dark-skinned individuals in Salt Lake City, Utah, to combat Vitamin D deficiency.

First, understand the Salt Lake City UV Index. The UV index measures the strength of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. In Salt Lake City, the UV index can range from 0 in the winter to 10 or higher in the summer. This means that even on a sunny winter day, the sun’s rays are often too weak to stimulate significant Vitamin D production in dark skin.

During the summer months (roughly May to September), aim for 15-30 minutes of sun exposure on your arms and legs, without sunscreen, during peak sunlight hours (10 am to 4 pm). This might seem counterintuitive, given the warnings about sun damage, but it’s crucial for Vitamin D synthesis. However, be extremely cautious and avoid sunburn. Start with shorter durations and gradually increase the time as your skin adapts.

During the winter months (October to April), sun exposure alone is unlikely to be sufficient. The sun is lower in the sky, and the days are shorter. This is where dietary strategies and supplementation become essential.

Dietary sources of Vitamin D are limited, but they can contribute to your overall intake. Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel are good sources. Fortified foods, such as milk, yogurt, and some cereals, also contain Vitamin D. However, relying solely on food is often not enough to meet the recommended daily intake, especially for those with darker skin in a place like Salt Lake City.

Consider Vitamin D3 supplementation. Vitamin D3 is the most effective form of Vitamin D for raising blood levels. The recommended daily intake varies depending on individual needs and Vitamin D levels, but many experts recommend 2000-5000 IU per day for adults, especially during the winter months.

Before starting any supplementation regimen, it’s crucial to get your Vitamin D levels tested. A simple blood test can determine your current Vitamin D level and help your doctor recommend the appropriate dosage. The University of Utah Health and Intermountain Healthcare both offer Vitamin D testing services.

Many people mistakenly believe that Vitamin D deficiency is not a serious issue, or that it only affects older adults. This is simply not true. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in bone health, immune function, and even mental well-being. Deficiency can lead to fatigue, bone pain, muscle weakness, and increased susceptibility to infections.

Another common misconception is that all Vitamin D supplements are created equal. Some supplements contain Vitamin D2, which is less effective than Vitamin D3. Always choose a Vitamin D3 supplement from a reputable brand.

One of the biggest challenges in Salt Lake City is the lack of awareness about Vitamin D deficiency, particularly among the BIPOC community. Many people are simply unaware of their increased risk and the importance of taking preventative measures.

To overcome this challenge, community outreach and education are essential. Local organizations, such as the Utah Black Chamber and the Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake, can play a vital role in raising awareness and providing culturally sensitive information about Vitamin D deficiency.

Another challenge is the cost of Vitamin D testing and supplementation. While Vitamin D supplements are relatively inexpensive, the cost of blood tests and doctor’s visits can be a barrier for some individuals.

Explore resources like the Salt Lake County Health Department, which may offer free or low-cost health screenings, including Vitamin D testing. Additionally, some insurance plans cover Vitamin D testing as part of routine checkups.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to addressing Vitamin D deficiency in Salt Lake City:

1. Assess your risk: Consider your skin color, sun exposure habits, and dietary intake of Vitamin D.
2. Get tested: Schedule a Vitamin D blood test with your doctor or at a local clinic.
3. Optimize sun exposure: During the summer months, aim for 15-30 minutes of sun exposure on your arms and legs without sunscreen during peak sunlight hours.
4. Supplement wisely: If your Vitamin D levels are low, take a Vitamin D3 supplement as recommended by your doctor.
5. Eat Vitamin D-rich foods: Include fatty fish, fortified milk, and other Vitamin D-rich foods in your diet.
6. Stay informed: Educate yourself about Vitamin D deficiency and share this information with your friends and family.

Remember, addressing Vitamin D deficiency is an ongoing process. Regular monitoring of your Vitamin D levels and adjustments to your lifestyle and supplementation regimen are essential to maintain optimal health. Don’t let the Salt Lake City sun fool you; take proactive steps to ensure you’re getting enough Vitamin D, especially if you have darker skin. Your health depends on it.