INDIANAPOLIS · February 18, 2008 / PRNewswire / – Evidence of the critical role vitamin D plays in the body’s overall health and ability to prevent major forms of cancer continues to evolve, according to recent studies.
Numerous recent studies conclude there is a vitamin D deficiency among Americans and that people should take appropriate action to raise levels of what’s commonly referred to as “the sunshine vitamin” in their bloodstreams.
A recent Harvard Medical School study published in the New England Journal of Medicine indicated that more than 60 percent of Americans are living with deficient levels of vitamin D, which is proven to fight off major cancers including colon, prostate and breast cancer. Other recent studies have concluded that a lack of vitamin D may lead to heart disease and other chronic health problems, including hypertension, diabetes and obesity.
According to a national renowned ultraviolet rays researcher, moderate exposure to ultraviolet rays triggers vitamin D synthesis in the skin while no exposure to UV rays can create a vitamin D deficiency.
Sensible exposure to ultraviolet rays, which includes the body’s exposure for five to 30 minutes a day depending on the time of day, season, distance from the equator and skin pigmentation, is advised, said Dr. Robert Sayre, PhD, of Rapid Precision Testing Laboratories in Cordova, Tenn.
“UV exposure is required for the body to make vitamin D. Moderate UV exposure triggers vitamin D synthesis in the skin while little to no exposure to UV rays can create a vitamin D deficiency,” Dr. Sayre said. “We need UV exposure to gain and maintain health-enriching vitamin D levels.”
Dr. Sayre supports UV exposure in the controlled environment an indoor tanning bed provides.
“Indoor tanning in moderation and at acceptable frequency and duration periods exposes the body to the same UV rays that sunlight provides but in a much more controlled environment,” he said. “The intensity of UV exposure and the dose of UV rays one receives in a controlled indoor tanning setting is an exceptional way to promote the body’s vitamin D production.
“Studies also show that UV exposure also triggers emotional benefits, including serenity, relaxation and an increased zest.”
Dr. Sayre advises those seeking to stimulate their body’s vitamin D production through indoor UV exposure do so under the care of a skin care professional in a salon setting and supplement their sessions with recommended lotions that will protect and moisturize the skin. For more about the benefits of vitamin D, visit http://www.etstan.com/VitaminD
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