Not Getting Much Sun Lately? Here's Why It Matters
Dr Trevor Chetcuti, B.Chiro.Sc, B.App.Sc (Clin), DIBAK, CNET | Clinical Director, Spinewise Maidstone
If it feels like Melbourne hasn’t seen the sun in weeks, you’re not imagining it — and it’s worth knowing that this can have a real effect on your vitamin D levels. With winter days often overcast and most of us spending more time indoors, this time of year is when vitamin D deserves a bit more attention.
When Blood Why Vitamin D Often Drops in Winter
Your body produces vitamin D primarily through skin exposure to sunlight, specifically UVB rays. During Melbourne’s winter months, the sun sits lower in the sky, days are shorter, and cloud cover is common — all of which reduce the amount of UVB reaching your skin. Combined with people generally spending less time outdoors in cooler weather, it’s a common time of year for vitamin D levels to dip.
Why Vitamin D Matters for More Than Bone Health
Vitamin D is well known for its role in bone health, but it’s also involved in supporting normal immune system function.
As Trevor explains: “Our vitamin D is really critical in terms of initiating [a] native immune response.” This doesn’t mean vitamin D prevents illness on its own, but maintaining adequate levels is generally considered a sensible part of supporting your body through the cooler months.
Sensible Sun Exposure — Balancing Vitamin D and Skin Safety
Getting some sunlight is one of the simplest ways to support your vitamin D levels, but it’s worth balancing this against Australia’s high skin cancer risk. Following SunSmart guidance — being mindful of UV index, time of day, and not aiming for prolonged unprotected exposure — is the sensible approach, rather than deliberately seeking out sunburn-level exposure. Short, sensible amounts of daylight, especially around the middle of the day when UVB is more available even in winter, can help.
Other Factors Worth Considering This Time of Year
Winter often brings other changes too — reduced activity, disrupted routines, and sometimes poorer sleep. Prioritising good sleep alongside paying attention to vitamin D is a sensible combination when thinking about supporting your body through the colder months.
Should You Get Your Vitamin D Checked?
If you’re concerned about your vitamin D levels, a simple blood test through your GP can confirm where you’re at.
If levels are low, it’s worth discussing with your GP or practitioner whether supplementation is appropriate for you — this is a individual decision best made with proper testing and guidance, rather than guesswork.
When to Get It Checked
If you’re feeling run-down or just want a broader picture of your health heading into the colder months, our Maidstone clinic can help as part of a thorough assessment. You can book online or call us on (03) 9318 7758.
Frequently Asked Questions
The only reliable way to know is a blood test through your GP. Symptoms of low vitamin D can be vague, so testing is the best approach if you’re concerned.
Diet contributes a small amount, but sunlight exposure is the primary source for most people. If sun exposure is limited, this is worth discussing with your GP.
No — sensible, moderate sun exposure following SunSmart guidance is the balanced approach, particularly given Australia’s skin cancer risk. More isn’t necessarily better or safer.
Not necessarily. Whether supplementation is appropriate depends on your individual levels and circumstances, which is best discussed with your GP or practitioner after testing.
About the Author
Dr Trevor Chetcuti, B.Chiro.Sc, B.App.Sc (Clin), DIBAK, CNET
Dr Trevor Chetcuti is Clinical Director at Spinewise in Maidstone, holding dual degrees in Chiropractic and Clinical Science from RMIT University and a Teaching Diplomate in Applied Kinesiology through the International College of Applied Kinesiology (ICAK). He is chairman of ICAK International’s Board of Research and Standards and has spent over 20 years helping patients work through complex health, neurological and pain-related concerns.