Close X
Saturday, November 23, 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

Sandwiches eaters have a higher energy intake

Sandwiches eaters have a higher energy intake
Sandwiches account for one-fifth of the body's total sodium absorption, new research on the dietary intake of US adults shows....

Sandwiches eaters have a higher energy intake

An apple a day boosts sexual pleasure among women

An apple a day boosts sexual pleasure among women
After analysing 731 Italian women aged 18 to 43, researchers found that women who ate more apples on a regular basis reported overall satisfaction...

An apple a day boosts sexual pleasure among women

Moderate alcohol intake affects sperm quality: Study

Moderate alcohol intake affects sperm quality: Study
The study, published in the journal BMJ Open, examined 1,200 Danish male military recruits between the ages of 18 and 28 years, all of whom underwent...

Moderate alcohol intake affects sperm quality: Study

Yogurt shields pregnant women against heavy metal poisoning

Yogurt shields pregnant women against heavy metal poisoning
Yogurt containing probiotic bacteria may protect children and pregnant women against heavy metal exposure, says a study.....

Yogurt shields pregnant women against heavy metal poisoning

Vaginal orgasm doesn't exist at all: Study

Vaginal orgasm doesn't exist at all: Study
Junk words like G-spot, vaginal or clitoral orgasms from your dictionary as such stimulation does not exist at all. If we believe researchers, like male...

Vaginal orgasm doesn't exist at all: Study

Poor sleep linked to osteo-arthritis in cycle of distress

Poor sleep linked to osteo-arthritis in cycle of distress
New research has confirmed that sleep disturbances are initially associated with depressive symptoms and pain but not disability. Over time...

Poor sleep linked to osteo-arthritis in cycle of distress