Close X
Friday, November 1, 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

Age no bar for breast cancer surgery: Study

There is good news for older women suffering from breast cancer as researchers have found that breast cancer surgeries may be safely performed even...

Age no bar for breast cancer surgery: Study

Good Sleep Means Less Sick Leave At Work

Good Sleep Means Less Sick Leave At Work
If you sleep for seven to eight hours, you are less likely to apply for sick leave at work, finds a fascinating study.

Good Sleep Means Less Sick Leave At Work

Can sleep loss shrink your brain?

Can sleep loss shrink your brain?
Adequate sleep could be a key indicator of sharpness as you age as researchers have found that sleep difficulties may be linked to faster rates of decline in brain volume....

Can sleep loss shrink your brain?

Can't take stress? Blame it on your genes

Can't take stress? Blame it on your genes
The findings could lead researchers to understand better the development of psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression and the consequent...

Can't take stress? Blame it on your genes

Exercise can stem frequent night urination in men

Exercise can stem frequent night urination in men
"Combined with other management strategies, physical activity may provide a strategy for the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) related...

Exercise can stem frequent night urination in men

Daily breakfast may protect kids from diabetes

Daily breakfast may protect kids from diabetes
Make sure that your kids do not skip breakfast as researchers have found that regular consumption of a healthy breakfast may help children lower their...

Daily breakfast may protect kids from diabetes