Can You Get Vitamin D Through Window Tint?

This is a surprisingly common question, but the answer is no. No, you can’t get meaningful amounts of vitamin D through window tint from sunlight passing through standard window glass or most window films. The reason is simple: the specific part of sunlight responsible for triggering vitamin D production in your skin is called UVB, and UVB and window glass are not friends. Both glass and modern window tints block nearly all of it. So, even if your home or car is bathed in daylight, your skin isn’t manufacturing the “sunshine vitamin” unless you’re actually outdoors.

If you are wondering can you get vitamin D through a window, the answer may be surprising to those who feel that bright, sunny rooms should deliver all the benefits of natural light. But when it comes to vitamin D, indoor sunlight—filtered through glass or film—just doesn’t do the trick. If you’re concerned about vitamin D, you’ll need to look beyond the nearest window. But this does not mean solar window films are useless. Window film UV protection has many uses.

Why Sunlight Is Essential for Vitamin D

Vitamin D is more than a feel-good vitamin advocated by healthy-looking people on TV ads. It’s an absolutely vital part of our survival and overall health. Our immune systems depend on it. Everyone knows you need calcium for strong bones, but calcium can only be absorbed in the presence of enough vitamin D. Anyone who has ever suffered from brain fog probably needed a vitamin D boost, and indoor sunlight, vitamin D is just not good enough. Your body needs the sun – give it some! But window film UV protection can help keep all the other harmful rays out, too!

When UVB hits your skin, your body jumps into action and makes vitamin D3. But here’s the catch: if you’re mostly indoors or behind glass, you’re getting almost nothing. Indoor sunlight vitamin D production is nearly non-existent, and getting vitamin D through window tint? That’s simply not happening.

Not all window film is created equal, though. While window films are designed to block harmful ultraviolet light to protect interiors and skin, this UV filtering—especially when it comes to UVA and UVB transmission—also means the skin can’t manufacture vitamin D indoors. Basically, does window tint block vitamin D? No, it doesn’t have to; the glass does a pretty good job on its own.

The UV Spectrum: What Gets Blocked by Glass and Tint?

Sunlight, the source of all energy on Earth, is a mix of all the colours of the visible spectrum. But also, some colours are not visible to the human eye, like ultraviolet or infrared. Our skin needs the UVA and UVB rays to make vitamin D. They can produce a tan, but prolonged exposure accelerates ageing and even poses a cancer risk.

Standard residential and commercial window glass blocks all UVB rays and a significant portion of the UVA spectrum, too. Modern window films go even further than that and add a layer of protection that is literally invisible. So, while indoor sunlight vitamin D is not a thing, neither are indoor damage and health risks with the right quality window film installed.

UVB and window glass: Do All Window Films Block Vitamin D?

Like everything in life, not all window film is created equal. Older films could provide privacy and glare reduction, but window film UV protection is a relatively new addition to the window film arsenal.

Most modern solar window films, designed for residential, commercial, and automotive use, have been engineered from the ground up to filter out the majority of UVA and UVB radiation. This means that, regardless of the brand, almost any high-quality manufacturer of window film can provide window film UV protection.

While the benefits of UV film are plentiful, the drawback is that one cannot get vitamin D through window tint. But that should not be a reason to discard it as an option for your home or office.

Safe, Practical Ways to Maintain Healthy Vitamin D Levels

Indoor sunlight vitamin D is not going to cut it if you spend most of your time indoors. While there is real danger to prolonged sun exposure, short periods of natural sunlight will do one the world of good. A few minutes per day should be enough for most people, depending on climate and skin tone.

Food, also, can help. While the body can manufacture its own vitamin D, dietary input should definitely be considered. Fatty fish like salmon or sardines, as well as egg yolks, fortified milk, and certain mushrooms, all help boost vitamin D. However, for the folk in colder climes with weaker sunlight, a supplement may be necessary. SAD is a real thing. Ask your doctor if a supplement is right for you.

Safe sun exposure, a good diet, and professional guidance from your healthcare provider can ensure your maintain your vitamin D at healthy levels.

Beyond Vitamin D: The Real Benefits of Window Tinting

The advantages of window films go far beyond mere sunlight and UV Protection. So, if you’re feeling disappointed that you can’t get Vitamin D through window tint, there are plenty of other real benefits. Indoor comfort is improved through glare reduction, and your cooling costs will plummet thanks to the temperature regulation. Needless to say, this is a very green solution!

Your furniture, too, will thank you. As will your flooring, artwork, and paintwork, as window film UV protection will prevent the sun’s rays from deteriorating materials and fading pigments. And while indoor sunlight vitamin D is not a thing, window films reduce the risk of long-term risks of sun damage, premature ageing, and even skin cancer.

More Resources on Window Films, Sunlight, and Health

Can you get vitamin D through a window? Here’s the bottom line. The reality is you will never get vitamin D through window tint. This renders the question of can you get vitamin D through a window redundant. UVB and window glass is not a match made in heaven. But some UV rays still sneak through, just not the type you want, which is why window film UV protection is still a worthwhile consideration.

Benefits like year-round comfort, keeping your furniture from fading in the sun, and the all-important lower energy bills are all thanks to making the right choice when it comes to a window tint.

If you are curious as to the options available to you, there are several articles and case studies of how our team of experts can help you make the right choice for your home or office. Our team is happy to help you find the perfect fit.