Get Vitamin D From Your Diet Instead of the Sun

Research shines dangerous truth on sun exposure

Our bodies need vitamin D to build and maintain strong bones. Without vitamin D, the body cannot use calcium and phosphorus – two minerals necessary for healthy bones. Vitamin D is produced by the body when ultraviolet rays from sunlight strike the skin and trigger vitamin D synthesis. While Vitamin D production is a benefit of sun exposure, there are safer ways to get Vitamin D. The American Academy of Dermatology does not recommend getting vitamin D from sun exposure or indoor tanning. Both sources emit damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Getting vitamin D from your diet and practicing sun protection offer a healthier alternative.

Still skeptical? Consider these scientific facts:
1. UV rays cause premature aging of the skin, actinic keratoses and skin cancer. There is so much scientific evidence to support this fact that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services classifies UV radiation as a known carcinogen (cancer-causing agent). UV exposure also causes cataracts to develop more quickly and suppresses the body’s immune system.

2. More than 1 million cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed this year. Overexposure to UV radiation causes skin cancer.

3. The number of diagnosed cases of skin cancer continues to increase at an alarming rate. At current rates, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime.

4. Almost every hour, one person dies from melanoma, a type of skin cancer in the United States. Today, melanoma is the second most prevalent form of cancer among women aged 20 to 29. An American’s lifetime risk of developing melanoma is greater than 1 in 32.

Dietary sources of vitamin D do not prematurely age the skin nor increase the risk of developing skin cancer or actinic keratoses. Good sources include fortified milk, fortified cereal, salmon, mackerel and cod liver oil. Research shows that vitamin D supplements are well-tolerated, safe and effective in recommended amounts. Vitamin D from food and dietary supplements offers the same benefits – without the danger of UV exposure – as vitamin D produced in the body. Maximum production of vitamin D occurs after brief exposure to UV radiation. The exact amount of time depends on many factors, but it can be as little as 2-5 minutes. After this, any additional vitamin D that the body produces will not be stored for future use.

— Adapted from The American Academy of Dermatology

www.aad.org/media/background/news/skincancer_2006_05_01_dont.html

For more information about what you can do to protect yourself and your family from skin cancer, go to http://www.cdc.gov/Features/SkinCancer