Due to Qatar’s extreme seasonal heat, people living here typically spend less time outdoors in the summer, and thus get less sun, putting them at risk for vitamin D deficiency.

Those lacking Vitamin D can experience a host of health-related problems, including:

1.- fatigue.

2.- Hair loss.

3.- Depression.

The department of Health Sciences of Qatar University advise:  The best way to get your levels up to the amount your body needs, we have :

1.- to expose our legs and arms to the sun without sunblock,

2.- for between 5-15 minutes a day,

3.-Three times a week.

Qatar’s sometimes dusty weather also prevents the body from absorbing the nutrient.

Those who are found to be deficient can be treated with supplements prescribed by their doctor (injections or tablets).

However, the key to reach and maintain the right levels of Vitamin D is most easily done through sun exposure, which also stores for longer in the body than supplements.

Do you get enough sun in Doha? Thoughts?