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Laser + Skin Institute • 33 Main Street, Suite 103 • Chatham, NJ 07928 phone: 973.635.5050 • fax: 973.635.4567 |
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Vitamin D and UV Exposure
• The American Academy of Dermatology is deeply concerned that reports linking the health benefits of vitamin D to unprotected sun exposure may mislead the public about the very real dangers of sun exposure, the leading and most preventable cause of skin cancer.
• Vitamin D is critical to healthy bones, and some research now suggests that maintaining higher levels than traditionally believed to be sufficient may offer additional health benefits. However, if you are concerned about getting enough vitamin D, the safe way to obtain it is through a healthy, balanced diet, vitamin D-fortified foods or oral supplements.
• While vitamin D production may be one benefit of ultraviolet light (UV) exposure, the evidence that UV radiation causes skin cancer is overwhelming and convincing.
• Vitamin D does not need to be produced from UV light to be effective. Sunlight or tanning beds are not better sources of vitamin D than food or supplements. The only thing for which they are better is increasing your risk of developing skin cancer.
• Any individual or organization advocating intentional UV exposure as the preferred means of obtaining vitamin D is doing a tremendous disservice to the public.
• Most people get enough incidental sun exposure during their daily activities to meet their vitamin D requirements.
• Maximum production of vitamin D occurs after brief exposure to UV radiation. For a fair-skinned person in Boston or New York, at noon in June, it is 2-5 minutes. After this, any additional vitamin D that your body produces will not be stored for future use.
AAD Web site: www.aad.org
AAD toll-free information number: 1-888-462-DERM
For more information, or to consult with Dr. Coppa, please inquire about an appointment.
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Press Contact
Glenn C. Breslauer
973.635.5050
info@lsinj.com
Lisa M. Coppa, M.D.
© Laser + Skin Institute
(source: onlinesurgery.com)