Tribute to the Late Marc Sorenson, EdD

Published on May 27, 2026

Honoring the life and legacy of one of the most passionate and influential advocates for sensible sun exposure and vitamin D education

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It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Marc Sorenson, EdD, a passionate educator, researcher, author, and advocate whose pioneering work helped transform the conversation surrounding sunlight, vitamin D, and human health.

For decades, Dr. Sorenson dedicated his life to challenging widespread fear of the sun and to educating the public about the many health benefits of sensible, non-burning sun exposure. Through his writing, lectures, scientific reviews, and his work as the founder of the Sunlight Institute, he became one of the leading voices advocating for a more balanced and evidence-based understanding of sunlight and health.  As a part-time international, professional speaker, Dr. Sorenson has spoken more than 3,000 times on fitness, sunlight and vitamin D, nutrition and religion.

Dr. Sorenson’s work consistently emphasized that sunlight affects the body through multiple important pathways, especially vitamin D, and including nitric oxide production, circadian rhythm regulation, mood enhancement, immune support, and overall longevity. His writings and presentations helped countless individuals reconsider the unintended consequences of excessive sun avoidance and sunscreen use while promoting the importance of avoiding sunburn, not the sun itself. In a guest article he wrote during Sunshine Month 2020 for GrassrootsHealth, Dr. Sorenson reflected on humanity’s long history of recognizing sunlight as an essential component of health and healing, from ancient heliotherapy practices to modern research on sunlight, vitamin D, and chronic disease prevention.

Over the years, Dr. Sorenson authored numerous books and publications devoted to health, sunlight, and wellness education. Among his most influential works was the book Embrace the Sun, co-authored with William B. Grant, PhD. The book became an important resource for those seeking a comprehensive scientific review of the benefits of sensible sun exposure and the risks associated with widespread sunlight deficiency.

With his background in health and fitness, and with the help of his wife Vicki, Dr. Sorenson founded and directed some of the world’s leading health resorts and institutes. In fact, during their 30+ years attending their National Institute of Fitness (ranked as one of the world’s best destination spas),

• clients lost 110 tons of fat
• two thirds of diabetic guests were free of all medication in less than two weeks
• many others recovered from high cholesterol, lupus, arthritis, migraines, hypertension, angina, arthritis, neuropathy, heart disease and allergies.

Dr. Sorenson was known for his warmth, enthusiasm, and tireless commitment to helping others improve their health. He spoke internationally, inspired audiences through seminars and presentations, and remained deeply engaged in public education throughout his life. His voice became a source of encouragement for many within the vitamin D and sunlight research community, including those involved with GrassrootsHealth and the broader movement to move vitamin D and sunlight research into public health practice (see several of his videos below).

As we honor Dr. Sorenson’s life and legacy, we also celebrate the tremendous impact he had on advancing awareness of the critical role of sunlight in human health. His work helped open important conversations that continue today, and his influence will live on through the many researchers, clinicians, educators, and individuals he inspired around the world.

Read below for tributes, memories, and reflections from those closest to him; we invite you to contribute your own remembrance or tribute by sending it to [email protected] so that we may continue honoring Dr. Sorenson’s remarkable legacy together.

Featured Videos & Presentations by Dr. Sorenson

Dr. Sorenson gave a presentation for a GrassrootsHealth seminar in Edmonton, Canada in 2011 titled “What is the Best Source of Vitamin D?.” The presentation was broken down into two short (less than 15 minute) videos. We highly recommend watching both of these videos; the presentation may be from 2011, but the message is still the same as the one we are sharing today.

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Part 1 of the video stressed the following key points:

• a study by Abbas et al found that those with the highest vitamin D serum levels had the lowest risk of breast cancer, a 69% decreased risk compared to those with the lowest vitamin D levels
• what are the best sources of vitamin D? Listen in to find out!
• examples of how artificial UV light has been used throughout history to cure and prevent diseases
• the strong relationship between many different cancers and latitude
• an interesting case study to listen to…!
• how do vitamin D levels compare among different groups within the population?
• is vitamin D supplementation necessary?

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The second part of this presentation begins with the question “But don’t we have to worry about melanoma if sunlight is the source of vitamin D?” Here are some key points from part 2:

• what is the difference between common skin cancer and melanoma?
• the relationship between sun exposure and melanoma incidence – what do decades of statistics show?
• a history of unnecessary fear and concern
• studies have shown a 36% greater risk of melanoma among regular sunscreen users compared to those who don’t use sunscreen
• research has also shown that those getting more than 5 hours of weekend sunshine has a 1/3 reduced risk of melanoma compared to those getting less than 4 hours of weekend sunshine
• the American Academy of Dermatology found that individuals with the lowest vitamin D levels (below 20 ng/ml or 50 nmol/L) had a 500% increased risk of melanoma over seven years compared to those with vitamin D levels above 30 ng/ml or 75 nmol/L
• concern about vitamin D deficiency due to sun avoidance became so great an issue that 7 health organizations in the UK joined together to develop a Joint Position Statement to provided clarity on vitamin D and sunlight – two of those organizations were dermatological societies
• exposing the face and hands alone is not enough, and on top of that, there are many other health benefits from making vitamin D from sun exposure

Finally, check out the two most viewed videos on his YouTube channel, “The truth about sunlight and sunscreen you aren’t hearing,” and “How Vitamin D Works.”

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Tributes to Dr. Marc Sorenson

Submit your tribute to Dr. Sorenson to [email protected]

In Loving Memory of Dr. Marc Sorenson: A Pioneer of Sunlight and a Cherished Friend

The world lost a truly remarkable soul with the recent passing of Marc Sorenson, Ed.D.

From his home in St. George, Utah, Marc cast a brilliant light that reached far beyond the desert landscape, helping thousands transform the way they understand health, nature, and the life-giving power of the sun.

​To the public, Marc was a visionary researcher, an author, and a dedicated educator. But to those of us blessed enough to know him intimately, he was a man of profound warmth, humility, and enduring loyalty.

​My wife Lea and our 6-year-old son Edan loved our annual visits with the Sorensons. The bond we shared with Marc and his wonderful wife, Vicki, went far beyond professional mutual respect—it was a cherished familial friendship. We will forever treasure the countless times we spent together with them at their Nevada ranch and at their home.

​Those days were filled with the kind of hospitality and genuine connection that only Marc and Vicki could provide. Whether on the dirt roads of Hidden Canyon Ranch or the hiking paths of The Great Basin National Park, away from the noise of the world, we shared laughter, camaraderie, and deep conversations about health (not only sun-related), religion, geopolitics, and Nature. I was honored to assist them with any health issues that came up over the years, and even these more serious discussions were imbued with light-hearted humor. Marc’s presence was always grounding; he possessed the rare ability to be both a curious intellectual and a genuine friend.

​It has been one of my greatest privileges to collaborate with Marc on his important book (with Dr. Bill Grant), Embrace the Sun. His passionate efforts to disseminate the truth about the salubrious sun inspired me to pour my own heart into this project, painstakingly editing the book, writing a preface, and adding an appendical chapter of new depth. Fulfilling Marc’s desire to be published in the holy land, I have translated this life-saving book into Hebrew, updated it, and added several new chapters. It was published in Israel during 2020, ensuring Marc’s voice echoed across borders and languages. He was heartwarmingly ecstatic to recieve his special copy of the bright yellow book, written in a language that he could not read yet revered thanks to his admirable piety.

​In the introduction to the book, I sought to capture the essence of who Marc was and what his work meant to humanity. That tribute stands now as a permanent monument to his life’s mission. Marc Sorenson was not merely a researcher; he was a truth-seeker who had the courage to challenge prevailing dogmas. With the precision of a scholar and the heart of a humanitarian, he looked at the natural world and reminded us of a fundamental truth we had forgotten; that light is life. His dedication to uncovering the profound health benefits of sunlight was matched only by his desire to see humanity thrive. He was an educator in the truest sense—an Ed.D. whose classroom was the world, and whose lessons brought health, hope, and vitality to thousands.

​Marc’s passing leaves a void that words cannot fully fill, especially for his beloved Vicki, who stood by him as his anchor and partner in all things.

​Yet, as we mourn his loss, we also celebrate a life beautifully and purposefully lived. Through Embrace the Sun, and through the expanded Hebrew edition, Marc’s brilliance will continue to educate, heal, and inspire generations to come.

​Rest in peace, dear friend. Your physical presence is deeply missed, but the light you brought into our lives, and into this world, will never fade.

Sincerely,

Prof. Adiel Tel-Oren (“Dr. T”), MD, DC, CCN, DACBN, DABFM, DABOM, FABDA, DABCT(c), LE;
Nutritional, Environmental, & Functional Medicine, Focusing on Nature’s Laws and Biochemical Optimization to Promote Healthy Longevity and Thwart Degeneration; Worldwide Lectures to Doctors, Professionals & The Public; Multiple Humanitarian Projects Internationally.

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Marc Sorenson had a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree. He and his wife Victoria spent 30 plus years owning, directing and being at their ‘Destination Health Resort’, where they received 150 guests daily from all around the world. They taught people how to recover from diabetes mellitus type 2 and coronary heart disease through a vegan diet with healthy fats such as avocado. Marc also included a lecture series on health and sunlight in which he imparted his vast knowledge and deeply researched material to their guests and thus he used his expertise to improve the lives of many people. After they sold their company, his interest moved to writing about sunlight and vitamin D. Through his search of the journal literature, he found my publications and contacted me.

I came to know Marc Sorenson through collaborating with him on two books regarding sun exposure and health. The first one was Vitamin D3 and Solar Power for Optimal Health, by Marc Sorenson, Foreword by William B. Grant, 2008. The second one was Embrace the Sun. by Marc B. Sorenson and Wiliam B. Grant; Foreword by Michael F. Holick, and Preface by Adiel Tel-Oren, 2018. The first book had about 850 references, the second about 1220. Marc did nearly all of the writing. As Marc wanted to emphasize sun exposure, something he enjoyed daily, he used evidence from solar UVB studies as well as observational studies with respect to serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations and vitamin D status. While vitamin D supplementation can produce many but not all the health benefits of sun exposure, vitamin D supplementation studies have not been well designed and conducted in general to this day. Although both books are now out of print, used copies can be found through an Internet search and a PDF of Embrace the Sun can be downloaded without cost from ReseaerchGate.net.

Marc was also a good friend. He invited me to join him at his Hidden Valley Ranch near Baker, Nevada twice. During the October 2015 visit, I saw numerous bird species that I logged onto ebird.org. On both trips, we hiked on several trails and on one trip visited the Lehman Caves. Our daily explorations started and ended with delicious vegan meals. Marc and Victoria were gracious hosts and it was always a great pleasure visiting them and the Ranch.

Sincerely,
William B. Grant
Director, Sunlight, Nutrition and Health Research Center, San Francisco

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It is a tender honor to share a few words about my beloved husband, Dr. Marc Sorenson, and his long association with the Sunlight Institute.

Marc believed deeply in the healing principles of health, fitness, nutrition, and responsible sunlight. His life’s work was devoted to helping people understand that good health was not merely the absence of illness, but a fuller, more vibrant way of living. Through his books, lectures, research, articles, and personal conversations, he encouraged people to think more clearly, live more actively, and take greater responsibility for their well-being.

Writing for the Sunlight Institute was meaningful to Marc because it reflected one of the subjects he cared about so much: the importance of sunlight in human health. He had great respect for truth, research, and education, and he was always eager to share information that could help people live healthier and happier lives.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Marc was a man of remarkable kindness, discipline, and purpose. He cared deeply about people. He loved teaching, answering questions, encouraging others, and helping individuals believe they could improve their lives. Many people over the years told us that his work changed their health, their outlook, and in some cases, their lives.

To those who knew Marc through his writing, speaking, or health advocacy, I hope you will remember not only his knowledge, but also the heart behind it. His mission was always service. He wanted people to feel better, live better, and understand the extraordinary gifts that nature, movement, nutrition, and sunlight can offer.

Marc spent his life bringing light, knowledge, and hope to others. It is comforting to know that through the Sunlight Institute, a part of that light will continue to shine.

With gratitude,

Vicki Sorenson
Wife of Dr. Marc Sorenson

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I remember when I first met Marc. I was working for a large tanning distributor in Canada. Marc visited and gave us a presentation. I read his book – Vitamin D3 and Solar Power for Optimal Health. I thought it was fantastic! I really liked the fact that in the book he referenced his statements with scientific peer reviewed papers. I wondered how could public health be so wrong about sunlight?

This education provided me with the motivation and passion to learn more about the benefits of sunlight and vitamin D and led to my job as Executive Director of the Vitamin D Society.

Later at the VDS when I was hosting public educational symposiums across Canada, Marc would become one of our key speakers. We had Carole Baggerly from GrassrootsHealth, Robert Heaney and Marc. Plus we usually asked a local vitamin D researcher to present as well. Marc presented on the benefits of sunlight. I remember a chart he would present. We called it the X chart. It showed hours of sunlight people received outdoors declining from the 1930’s to 2010 and melanoma cancer incidence rising for the same time period. Marc would ask the audience: “How was sunlight causing the increased melanoma incidence if people were getting less sunlight?” It didn’t make sense. We did 3-4 symposiums a year for maybe 3 years (2012-2015), all across Canada at large universities. Toronto, Hamilton, Ottawa, Halifax, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Victoria and Marc was there for all of them.

While traveling at the symposiums Marc and I used to go for walks. I remember being in Vancouver for a beautiful evening and going for a long walk with Marc along the waterfront in Stanley Park.

Marc also provided me with personal health advice when I started having heart problems in 2015. I probably owe my life to him. My cardiologist wanted to start me on statins and beta blockers. I talked with Marc. He said don’t do that, just change your diet. Go vegan. So I did. Two weeks later my heart was back beating like normal. I felt good. And I still follow Marc’s advice to this day and I’m not on any heart medications.

Thank you for everything Marc! You will be greatly missed.

Perry Holman
Executive Director
Vitamin D Society

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I am sorry to hear about the passing of Dr. Marc Sorenson. He was a motivated and very motivational person. I’m sure that his writings and lectures about vitamin D inspired many people to test and raise the level of vitamin D3 and its metabolites in their blood serum. My prayers go out to Marc’s family and friends who among others will seriously miss his presence in their lives.

Yours,
Dr. Cedric Garland
Professor Emeritus
University of California San Diego School of Medicine

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It was a great shock to learn of Marc’s passing. For more than 50 years Marc and his wife Vicki have been promoting good health through education at their health resorts by encouraging a healthy diet, improvement in fitness and promoting sensible sun exposure. This educational activity touched the lives and improved the health of those who took advantage of the environment that he and Vicki provided at their health resorts. Marc, however, was the consummate educator and wanted to educate the world about the health benefits of sensible sun exposure. To do this, in collaboration with Dr. William Grant, he wrote 2 very popular books, Vitamin D and Solar Power for Optimal Health and Embrace the Sun. These books provided the reader with a delightful journey that distilled voluminous research of more than 1000 scientific publications into a digestible format that made it easy for the reader to appreciate the multitude of health benefits from sensible sun exposure including the improvement in vitamin D status, which by itself was responsible for reducing risk for many acute and chronic illnesses including diabetes, autoimmune disorders, deadly cancers, cardiovascular disease, neurocognitive dysfunction and acute respiratory tract infections. He co-authored several publications in well-respected peer-reviewed journals on the health benefits of vitamin D for athletics, erectile dysfunction and chronic periodontitis. Marc was a bright and shining light and will in deed be missed.

Michael F. Holick, PhD, MD
Professor of Medicine, Pharmacology, Physiology and Biophysics and Molecular Medicine
Director of the Vitamin D, Skin and Bone Research Laboratory
Boston University School of Medicine

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I first met Dr. Marc Sorenson and his wife Vicki 40 years ago at the Cooper Clinic in Dallas, Texas. We both underwent the Dr. Kenneth Cooper evaluation. My treadmill time was about the same as Dr. Cooper, who was years older, but Marc beat him handily and was put on the wall of fame along with many elite athletes. I loved Vicki and Marc, and we planned on attending his fitness center, The National Institute of Fitness, (NIF) in Ivins, Utah. I was amazed by the facilities, the beauty of Utah, the program, the food and how well I felt. Hiking in the morning and all types of exercise scheduled with different levels planned for people of all fitness levels. This led to a 40-year friendship. The staff was friendly, the air was clear and it was like summer camp for adults, I wanted to stay there for the rest of my life.

Over the years, Marc and Vicki stayed in touch, and I visited whenever I could despite the demands of my work as a physician, even after the spa was acquired by Stephen Covey. Marc was a Renaissance man who helped people overcome type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, frailty, and poor fitness through his positive attitude, sound nutrition, exercise, and more knowledge. During my visits, I met many people who extended their health and physical abilities for decades. Two people I referred to NIF had been on insulin for ten years; they lost weight, regained their fitness, and saw their diabetes disappear. I shared these stories with my colleagues in Wichita, Kansas. Although they were skeptical, I urged them to visit or refer patients, but they did not. It is said that when Captain James Cook discovered Australia the natives could not regard his large ship because it was so foreign to their mental image of a canoe. This has been disputed, but something so foreign to a person’s beliefs may be ignored.

Marc followed the medical literature and proved his results with repeated lab testing and evaluation of physical fitness in his patients. I remember that Kenneth Cooper, MD was widely criticized when he started due to disbelief of his principles. I am unfamiliar with the criticisms of Socrates; his belief ended with his death by Hemlock poison by having differing opinions. Luckily Hemlock poisoning of dissenters has not survived.

Marc had a system that worked, his research was extensive and his opinions were backed by science and by his own fitness center. Marc did what he promoted, and he proved the value of his teachings. My most fit and productive times were due to following his example. Life became more constricting and I failed to follow as well as he did, and I like my patients often had to fall short of perfection. I am a true believer, and I truly would like to do as well as I have in the past.

11 years ago, Marc and Vicki and I tried to open another spa and due to increasing governmental roadblocks were unable. I believe it would cost about 8- 10 times more a month now to re-create NIF. If there was an Olympic medal for health, I believe Marc would take gold. He had a gold medal in the senior Olympics.

Marc will be missed by many, but his lessons, his legacy will last forever.

Maurice Henry Van Strickland, MD

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