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December 4, 2008: 05:39 PM EST
Get your vitamin D from nutritional sources and dietary supplements, not from direct exposure to UV radiation. This is the advice from the American Academy of Dermatology in a recent position statement and media release. "Vitamin D is essential for optimal health, and the medical literature supports safe ways to get it – a healthy diet which incorporates foods naturally rich in vitamin D, vitamin D-fortified foods and beverages, and vitamin D supplements," said dermatologist C. William Hanke, MD, MPH, FAAD, president of the American Academy of Dermatology. "And, according to the medical literature, unprotected exposure to UV radiation from sunlight (natural) or indoor tanning devices (artificial) is not safe. Individuals who intentionally expose themselves to UV radiation for vitamin D are putting their health at risk for developing skin cancer." The Academy also recommends that people seek medical advice about safe options, and that physicians should follow the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine guidelines for vitamin D. Clinical trials have not yet unequivocally established the amount of vitamin D needed to decrease the risk of certain cancers or other chronic conditions, but the Academy advises that individuals with known risk factors for vitamin D deficiency should consider a higher dose. The Academy recommends avoiding tanning beds and taking steps to protect yourself from UV exposure when you are outdoors. Stay in the shade whenever possible, wear sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeves, pants and sunglasses. The position statement may be viewed at http://www.aad.org under the Featured Items section.
"American Academy of Dermatology Issues Position Statement on Vitamin D", December 04, 2008, © 2008 PR Newswire
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