Vitamin D
The key role morning light plays in our health
A lack of sunshine means your immune system doesn't work as well, and your defence mechanisms suffer similarly. Professor Steve Jones explains the role light plays in our health, and why we need to go… Audio
Why are Kiwi kids still getting rickets?
Despite prescriptions for Vitamin D supplements being on the rise, around 20 children each year are being hospitalised for rickets, a condition which affects bone development. Endocrinologist and… Audio
Calling Home: Rowan Bashford in Iceland
Christchurch native Rowan Bashford is living his best life in Iceland, where he runs a guiding company with his partner, Guðný Diljá Helgadóttir, and lives on a farm called Malarás in the Öræfi… Audio
Vegetarians have healthier biomarker profiles than meat-eaters
New research suggests people on a vegetarian diet have healthier levels of disease markers than people who eat meat. Otago University's Dr Ali Hill joins the show to explain what biomarkers are, and… Audio
Are vitamin manufacturers unfairly marketing to older people?
According to new research, almost 75 percent of healthy Australians aged over 70 years use complementary medicines, either daily or occasionally. But how necessary are these supplementary medicines… Audio
How spending time in nature can benefit your skin
Research shows that when we spend time outdoors, we are more active. And in addition to the benefits of physical activity, there are numerous benefits of engagement with nature. Health geographer Dr… Audio
How vitamin D can help stave off respiratory infections
Vitamin D has a limited lifespan in the body, so do we need a top up in winter? And if so, just how much do we need? Dr Pamela von Hurst joins the show to discuss how to get your daily dose. Audio
Professor Gary McLean: International Covid-19 update
Gary McLean is a professor in molecular immunology at London Metropolitan University who specialises in infectious diseases, immunology and antibody engineering. He discusses the big international… Audio
How gardening creates a time warp
Gardening is more than a relaxing hobby. It's good for your health, whatever age you are. Dr Harriet Gross is a psychology professor at Lincoln University in the United Kingdom. She explains why… Audio
Getting enough Vitamin D over summer
With the days getting shorter, have we stored enough vitamin D from the summer sun to get us through the winter? Dr Pamela von Hurst explains how long our vitamin D stores last, and the best ways to… Audio
Richard McKenzie: UV and Vitamin D
Kim Hill talks to Dr Richard McKenzie, emeritus atmospheric research scientist at New Zealand's National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research. His research includes studying how much ultra-violet… Audio
The good and the bad of sunshine
Material scientist Martin Allen has developed wearable UV sensors that allow school children to monitor their exposure to the sun's ultra-violet radiation. Audio
Call for Vitamin D in food
A nutritionist wants Vitamin D supplements added to food to help cut the nation's rates of bowel cancer.
Vitamin D during pregnancy reduces respiratory infection
Taking Vitamin D during pregnancy and in the early months of a baby's life reduces the risk of respiratory infection. Audio