Many people are once again becoming concerned about
exposure to sunlight, but the latest research may really
surprise you.
A recent study by researchers at the University of
California found that solar ultraviolet B (UVB)
radiation can significantly reduce the risk of 16
different types of cancer by naturally stimulating the
production of vitamin D in the skin. The study's authors
are Cedric F. Garland, Dr.P.H., from the Department of
Family and Preventive Medicine at the University of
California, San Diego, and William B. Grant, Ph.D.,
director of the Sunlight, Nutrition and Health Research
Center (SUNARC).www.sunarc.org/about.htm
"Enhancing vitamin D status appears to be the single
most important simple thing people can do to reduce
their risk of cancer, apart from avoiding tobacco and
moderation in the intake of alcohol," say Cedric Garland
and William Grant.
It has been frequently reported that those who work
outdoors have a reduced risk of developing melanoma
[Garland et al., 1990; Kennedy et al., 2004]. The
reasons appear to be twofold:
They develop a tan that blocks the penetration of
ultraviolet radiation so it can't produce the free
radicals that can lead to melanoma.
The researchers recommend that people get their vitamin
D from exposure to natural sunlight. Fair-skinned people
who live in sunny regions of the country can produce
about 1,500 IU of vitamin D in 20 minutes of exposure at
noon if only 10 to 20 percent of their body is exposed
-- such as chest, back and arms. People should try to
expose more of their skin surface for a shorter amount
of time, rather than stay in the sun longer with minimal
skin exposure, the study says. Darker-skinned people may
need up to four times as long to make the same amount of
vitamin D as fair-skinned people.
The study recommends wearing hats to avoid prolonged sun
exposure on more sensitive parts of the body, such as
the face, and to keep moving when in the sun. Garland
and Grant caution fair-skinned people to avoid
over-exposure, since the skin produces sufficient
vitamin D in just 20 minutes a day.
Sunshine is one of many important principles
of health. A new and gathering body of evidence seems to
indicate that the benefits of sun light, in general,
greatly outweigh the risks. So grab a bag of your
favorite food, take a walk in the park, and make a
little sunshine a part of each and every day.
