Even though I take Vitamin D supplements, I continue to be skeptical that they are equivalent to sunlight.  A couple new studies have brought up this point.  This study mentions that outcomes for UV radiation and Vitamin D supplements may be different. 

I also read through this study that looks into other benefits of sunlight.  It also discussed how sunlight and Vitamin D supplements are not equivalent.  This study points out that even if Vitamin d supplements and sunlight do both affect serum Vitamin D levels, there may be other benefits to sunlight apart from Vitamin D synthesis.  They state:

"It is important to recognize that all of the beneficial effects of UVR exposure may not occur only through UVR-induced vitamin D synthesis. Thus maintaining current sun avoidance policies while supplementing food with vitamin D may not be sufficient to avoid the risks of insufficient exposure to UVR."

You can also look at two new studies on Vitamin D supplements that showed they had no real effect.  In this study , subjects took Vitamin D for a year and had no decrease in inflammation.  In this study , supplementing with Vitamin D had no impact on quality of life or physical function.

Honestly, I just don't think you can get the true benefits of sunlight in a Vitamin D pill.  At this point, I am about ready to ditch the Vitamin D supplements and buy one of those goofy full spectrum lights.  At least this way, I will actually be getting light and not just a pill!

Phototherapy has actually been shown to have solid benefits.  For example, a couple of studies have looked at phototherapy in the treatment of psoriasis.  This study says home phototherapy should be the first-line treatment option for psoriasis.

I will be digging more into phototherapy over the coming weeks.