Close X
Wednesday, November 27, 2024
ADVT 
Health & Fitness

Study Finds Tanning Salon Sunbeds Effective for Raising Vitamin D Levels

Darpan News Desk, 15 Nov, 2017 02:11 PM
  • Study Finds Tanning Salon Sunbeds Effective for Raising Vitamin D Levels
Sunbeds with a UVB component similar to solar summer sunshine may provide an effective alternate vitamin D source during winter months, according to a new Canadian study just published in the journal Dermato Endocrinology. 
 
People who use tanning salons, specifically sunbeds that have UVB during the winter reach physiological blood levels (>100 nmol/L) of vitamin D, the study reported. It found 
that participants who used typical sunbeds emitting UVB rays in the range equivalent to outdoor summer sunshine increased their vitamin D blood levels on average by 42 nmol/L. This was achieved using standard tanning exposure schedules on salon sunbeds.
 
“Sunbeds enable exposure to nearly 100% of skin in a controlled manner which amplifies their effectiveness for vitamin D production,” said Dr. Samantha Kimball, lead author and research director at Pure North S’Energy Foundation in Calgary, AB. “We found that you can effectively raise your vitamin D levels into the desired range without burning and following Health Canada’s recommendations. But there are risks to any type of UV exposure, whether from the sun or sunbed.”
 
Ultraviolet-B (UVB) sun exposure in summer converts cholesterol in your skin to pre-vitamin D. Wintertime sun exposure at northern latitudes in Canada (above 44⁰N) does not contain sufficient UVB to stimulate vitamin D synthesis because of the angle of the sun. Most evolutionary biologists believe skin colour evolution occurred when fairer-skinned cultures migrated further from the equator so the skin would more efficiently produce vitamin D in light-deprived parts of the world.
 
For most Canadians vitamin D levels drop in October and continue to do so through the winter, and then they require vitamin D supplements or artificial UVB exposure to maintain target levels. Kimball and other vitamin D researchers now believe low vitamin Dlevels in winter leave you more susceptible to colds, flu and serious diseases such as osteoporosis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis many forms of cancer and heart disease.
 
In Canada, 38% of people or approximately 14 million Canadians have vitamin D levels below 50 nmol/L the level recommended by Health Canada. This increases to 40% in winter. More than 48 vitamin D scientistsrecommend that you reach a vitamin D blood level of between 100-150 nmol/L for optimal health.
 

MORE Health & Fitness ARTICLES

Snoring masks don't kill sex life: Study

Snoring masks don't kill sex life: Study
A common therapy to tackle obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) does not become a hindrance between the sheets, says a study, allaying fears of OSA...

Snoring masks don't kill sex life: Study

Dieting? Tips for eating out

Dieting? Tips for eating out
One in five calorie-conscious youths are shunning their friends in favour of their figures, admitting they would cancel plans, or have done so...

Dieting? Tips for eating out

Stay energised post festive season with sherbets, lassi, tea

Stay energised post festive season with sherbets, lassi, tea
What better way to ease up on your tummy post the festive season than with some truly exotic and healthy beverages? Take your pick from nearly a century-old...

Stay energised post festive season with sherbets, lassi, tea

Pay attention to your baby for emotional well being

Pay attention to your baby for emotional well being
If a mother responds more sensitively to her baby during playtime, the child is less likely to display callous, unemotional behaviour as a toddler...

Pay attention to your baby for emotional well being

Cocoa may reverse memory decline

Cocoa may reverse memory decline
Age-related memory decline can be reversed with a little alteration in your diet, specifically the inclusion of cocoa flavanols, showed a research....

Cocoa may reverse memory decline

Manipulative parents leave kids in distress later

Manipulative parents leave kids in distress later
Teenagers whose parents exert more psychological control over them have more problems establishing friendships and romantic relationships later, found a study....

Manipulative parents leave kids in distress later