“Hey Doc- My Vitamin D level is low. Should I get a little sun exposure?” This is a question we are often asked and the short answer is “No”!
Vitamin D is essentially for bone health and other metabolic functions and deficiency is associated with impaired bone formation. The sun’s utraviolet rays (UV) interact with the skin to produce vitamin D.
Unfortunately, there is strong evidence that UV exposure from the sun or tanning devices is associated with an increased risk of developing skin cancer. In addition, there is no scientifically proven safe threshold level for UV exposure that generates optimal vitamin D production without increased skin cancer risk. Fortunately, an adequate amount of vitamin D can be obtained from a healthy diet that includes foods naturally rich in vitamin D; such as fatty fish including salmon, tuna, and mackerel, cheese, and egg yolks; foods/beverages fortified with vitamin D, for example certain daily products, breakfast cereals, and orange juices; and/or vitamin D supplements. To protect against skin cancer, sun avoidance including the regular and proper use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen, is advised.
Adopted from www.aad.org
