The Myths and Facts of Vitamin D and Sun Exposure
By Diana Clarke
Unverified reports claiming that unprotected, intentional
sun exposure is necessary for Vitamin D formation are getting quite
a bit of media coverage lately.
Yet, dermatologists still advise the public to practice
sun protection to prevent skin cancer.
At a recent American Academy of Dermatology’s Skin
Cancer Detection and Prevention Month news conference, dermatologist
Darrell S. Rigel, M.D., clinical professor, New York University Medical
Center in New York City, debunked the myths surrounding Vitamin D
and offered advice on getting an adequate dose of this nutrient.
“As a dermatologist who treats the ravages of skin
cancer on a daily basis, it is appalling to me that anyone in good
conscience could make the claim that intentional sun exposure – for
any length of time – is beneficial,” stated Dr. Rigel. “The fact is,
skin cancer is increasing at an alarming rate and scientific research
confirms that our best defense is avoiding excessive, unprotected
sun exposure.”
Dr. Rigel addressed the following myths about vitamin
D and sun exposure:
Myth #1 – Sunscreen blocks Ultraviolet (UV) light. Consequently,
UV radiation is prevented from reaching the skin, which leads to an
inadequate amount of vitamin D in the body.
Fact – A 1997 study published in
the Journal of the National Cancer Institute of patients with Xeroderma
Pigmentosa (a disease that predisposes persons to skin cancer who
are exposed to very low levels of ultraviolet radiation), showed that
these patients have normal vitamin D levels despite negligible amounts
of UV exposure.
Myth #2 –A considerable amount of UV exposure is necessary
to maintain normal levels of vitamin D.
Fact – Normal vitamin D levels are
maintained through a normal diet.
Myth #3 – Sunscreen does not allow UV radiation to
reach the skin, so if people wear sunscreen, their bodies can form vitamin
D.
Fact – Even the best sunscreen cannot
block all UV radiation. But the amount that does hit the skin is enough
to promote adequate vitamin D formation.
Myth #4 – Skin cancer is not a serious disease, so sun
protection is not important.
Fact – One American dies every hour from melanoma,
the most serious form of skin cancer.
Myth #5 – Low levels of Vitamin D lead to more cancers
and other diseases.
Fact – “There are no scientific studies
that prove this statement,” explained Dr. Rigel. “The claim is based
on a study that finds that overall cancer rates are higher in the
northeast United States, a location with lower sunlight levels than
many other places in the country. Those making this claim conclude
that since the northeast has lower UV levels, this is the reason why
cancer rates are higher in this region.
However, several studies prove this theory is false.
These include studies that show that cancer rates are low in the northern
plain states (areas with the lowest UV levels in the country) and
small regional studies (New York state), where cancer rates are highest
in areas with industrial pollutants and are not related to sunlight
levels.”
“When we take a close look at these myths and evaluate
the facts, the course of action is clear,” said Dr. Rigel. “Until
there is science that tells us otherwise, it is imperative that people
protect themselves from the sun.
Anyone concerned about not getting enough vitamin
D should either take a multivitamin or drink a few glasses of vitamin
D-fortified milk every day. Given the fact that the U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services has declared UV radiation as a known
carcinogen, exposing oneself to it for the sake of vitamin D is not
the answer.”
The American Academy of Dermatology advises everyone
to engage in the following sun protective practices:
- avoid outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s
rays are the strongest.
- seek shade whenever possible.
- wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
of at least 15.
- reapply sunscreen every two hours.
- wear sun-protective clothing.
About The Author: Diana Clarke is a teacher and
the founder and editor of The Sun and Your Skin at yourskinandsun.com.
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