| |
| |
|
Supplement Reference Guide |
|
|
|
The Myths and Facts of Vitamin D and Sun Exposure
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:
About The Author Diana Clarke is a teacher and the founder and editor of The Sun and Your Skin at yourskinandsun.com.
MORE RESOURCES:
|
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Body Building Supplementation Body Building Supplement - what is it?The term "body building supplement" is familiar to almost everyone nowadays. Body building supplement is a supplement that is designed to help people who use it to achieve several things that include but are not limited to weight gain, muscle building, and strength training. Can Vitamin E Cure Almost Everything? Vitamin E is an absolutely vital nutrient in your body, but it probably can't do half the things you heard it can.What does vitamin E do? To begin, it is an antioxidant. L-Glutathione, The Wonder Antioxidant A naturally occurring compound, L-Glutathione (Tathion,) has demonstrated that it is effective in fighting cancer, environmental poisons, and even cataracts. Sound like snake oil? Well, that is what I thought until I started doing research. The Beneficial Effects Of Vitamins On Your Digestive System As much as we would like to deny it, the digestive system is our favorite system of the body. Why? Because it involves food of course. Finally - The Truth About Calcium Supplements Undoubtedly calcium has become a hot topic of controversy. We are bombarded with advertising telling us exactly what will give our body more calcium. Health Benefits of CoQ10 - A Powerful, Important Heart Compound Coenzyme Q10 (also known as ubiquinone, but most widely referred to as CoQ10) is a substance that can be found in every cell of the body, where it is used to produce the large amounts of energy needed for healthy cell growth, repair after damage, and maintenance.CoQ10 also functions as a powerful antioxidant, which protects the cells and the entire body from damage caused by harmful molecules. The Shocking Truth About Eight Deadly Diseases That May Be Affecting Your Health and Lifestyle I came across an article written by Dr. Ray Strand, a family practitioner and author of several books including What Your Doctor Doesn't know About Nutritional Medicine May Be Killing You; Releasing Fat; Developing Healthy Lifestyles That Have a Side-effect of Permanent Fat Loss; and Bionutrition: The Amazing Health Benefits of Vitamin Supplements, to name a few. Nutritional Supplement Nutritional Supplement - what is it?So what is a nutritional supplement? Nutritional supplement is a product that provides additional sources of nutrients when people don't get enough of them through food or when a well-designed diet doesn't work. Nutritional supplement increases the intake of vitamins, amino acids, minerals, herbs, etc. Take Back Your Life 2 In part one of this series, titled "Take Back Your Life"; we discussed the importance of proper cell function as it relates to wellness. Here in part 2, we will discuss why it is important to feed the organs of your endocrine system to further insure and maintain a state of wellness and optimum health. Multivitamins: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly Ideally, humans would eat wholly nutritious diets rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. The fact is, most people do not meet all their nutritional needs through their food. 9 Vitamins & Supplements to Improve Your Memory Does this describe you: You walk into the living room to get something, only to get there and forget what you needed? You often hear "Yes, you already told me about that" or maybe you thought you told someone, but you never actually verbalized it. Someone tells you their name and then ninety seconds later you say, "Ok, tell me your name again. The Myths and Facts of Vitamin D and Sun Exposure 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. Using Bodybuilding Supplements To Build Muscle Mass! OK, first let's get something straight here.. Immune System Supplement Your Immune system Needs BalanceTaking an immune system supplement daily is very important. However most of us don't do it until we get sick or don't feel good. Are MLM Nutrition Supplements Right For You? Considering that the Health and Wellness industry is currently a multi-million dollar per year market, and that MLM is one of the quickest ways to develop a large stream of residual income, promoting nutritional programs via network marketing certainly might be right for you.There are several points you will want to consider though when researching an opportunity to join, such as:1. How Taking an HGH Supplement Changed My Life I finally bought the stuff. I couldn't resist anymore. Bodybuilding Supplements May Not Be Necessary To supplement or not to supplement - that is the question on more bodybuilder's lips than ever before. Are they safe? What works and what doesn't?Lets have a look at the basics. Vitamin B-1 Did you know that vitamin B-1 has two other widely used names? Thiamine is a name used in the US and Aneurin is the popular name in Europe. Thiamin (without the e) is also used to refer to B-1. Cortisol Blockers- After the Hype and Controversy, are there any Quality Products Still Standing? Over the last 2 years, the link between weight gain and the stress hormone Cortisol has taken center stage. The concept was introduced, capitalized upon, and basically challenged in the legal system all within the last 2 years. CortiCarb3000 Reviewed: Does It Perform As Promised? Carbohydrate blockers seem to have come and gone with the low carb craze. Basic carbohydrate blockers are available everywhere.
|
| home | site map | related links |
| © 2006 |
