>The one that I'm concerned about is Vitamin D. Those of us living in the
>North are not getting anywhere near the amount of sunshine our ancestors
>got. There are full spectrum lights sold. Can one make Vitamin D from them?

yes. i have a pet iguana, and i have full spectrum fluorescent lights over
his house, because he needs to synthesize vitamin D for his calcium absorption.
i'd assume, if it works for a reptile, it'd work for us.
there may be limiting factors.  his light is 17" long, and he sits under it
all day.  i was told that he has to be within 12-18 " of it for maximum
benefit.  i don't know many people who would be willing to sit next to a
fluorescent light all day.  still, it's not impossible.


JoAnn.