Attention News/Health Editors:

Sun exposure and healthy levels of vitamin D - Canadian Dermatology Association offers recommendations

TORONTO, June 13 /CNW/ - There has been some confusion about the amount
of sun exposure required to maintain healthy levels of vitamin D, according to
the Canadian Dermatology Association.
"People are hearing many different recommendations, some of which can be
misleading," says Dr. Cheryl Rosen, national director of the Canadian
Dermatology Association's National Sun Awareness Program. "These include
claims by the tanning industry that the use of sun beds promotes vitamin D
production in the skin.
"The sun exposure that Canadians receive during their day-to-day
activities is generally adequate to maintain vitamin D levels in the spring,
summer and fall. If someone is very careful about sun exposure and concerned
their vitamin D levels might be low, supplements from food or vitamin pills
are excellent ways to obtain enough vitamin D," she adds.
Vitamin D, actually a hormone, maintains the calcium and phosphate levels
in our bodies necessary for the development of healthy bones. Without adequate
vitamin D, the body begins to 'steal' calcium from our bones, increasing the
risk of loss of bone mass and fractures.
"Consumption of fish, such as salmon, can provide a dietary source of
vitamin D. Foods, such as milk, may be fortified with vitamin D. However, the
daily intake from diet may be insufficient to provide an adequate supply of
vitamin D," says Dr. Rosen, a dermatologist at Toronto Western Hospital,
University of Toronto.
Vitamin supplements containing vitamin D are a safe way to maintain
healthy levels. A dose of 400 IU (international units) a day for adults and
300 to 400 IU a day for children is currently recommended. However, these
values are currently being reexamined and are suspected of being on the low
side.
"The skin makes vitamin D when exposed to the sun. This process is
blocked by sunscreen use. Only brief sun exposure to either the back of the
hands, arms, or face, two to three times a week from May to September, is
required to maintain sufficient vitamin D levels through production of
vitamin D in the skin," she advises.
"Remember that too much sun increases the risk of sunburn, wrinkles,
premature aging of the skin, pre-cancerous spots, and skin cancer," she
cautions.
"It is important to know that the skin also stops making more Vitamin D
when a person is out in the sun for longer periods and it inactivates any
excess Vitamin D which is made." Dr. Rosen points out.
During the winter months, oral supplements containing vitamin D can be
considered, particularly for the elderly. Canadians living in some parts of
the country where there are few hours of sunshine may be severely low in
vitamin D if they have an inadequate diet and are not on vitamin D
supplements.
Regarding the use of sun beds and claims that exposure to these sources
of ultraviolet radiation promotes vitamin D production, Dr. Rosen says: "The
major ultraviolet component emitted by the light bulbs used in tanning
parlours is ultraviolet A which has no effect on Vitamin D production. Many
lamps also emit a smaller amount of ultraviolet B.
"The World Health Organization (WHO) says while sun bed use may increase
vitamin D synthesis, incidental sun exposure and dietary sources of vitamin D
are generally enough to maintain healthy levels of vitamin D.
"The use of sun beds increases a person's risk of developing skin cancer.
Given that organizations such as the WHO and many state governments in the
United States and authorities in Europe are recommending that no one under 18
use tanning parlours, we would advise against using sun beds."
The causes of vitamin D deficiency include poor diet, liver disease,
kidney disease, fat malabsorption, and living in a place with little sunshine.
The skin of elderly people is less able to produce vitamin D.

For further information: Please call Sue Sherlock, Canadian Dermatology
Association, (604) 985-9184, sherlockcom@telus.net

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