A patient with a lack of sunlight should ideally take which vitamin?

A patient with a lack of sunlight should ideally take colecalciferol, which is also known as vitamin D3. Vitamin D is synthesized by the skin in response to sunlight, specifically UVB radiation. When there is insufficient sunlight exposure, individuals may develop a deficiency in vitamin D, leading to various health issues, including weakened bones and impaired immune function. Supplementing with colecalciferol helps to restore adequate levels of vitamin D in the body, supporting calcium absorption and maintaining bone health.

In contrast, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) plays a crucial role in immune function and collagen synthesis, but it does not address deficiencies arising from a lack of sunlight. Folic acid is essential for DNA synthesis and repair as well as red blood cell formation, and vitamin E functions primarily as an antioxidant. Neither of these vitamins is specifically related to sunlight exposure and does not directly compensate for a vitamin D deficiency caused by a lack of sunlight.