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Doctors Squabble Over Sunshine Vitamin

Posting Date: 06/06/2005

Is it any wonder so many people are confused about the sun? On the one hand, dermatologists have been issuing dire warnings for decades. They tell us that sun exposure causes wrinkles, age spots and skin cancer.

If we go out in the sun without slathering on the sunscreen we?ve been led to believe we?re living dangerously. No one is supposed to spend time in the midday sun (defined as any time between 10 am and 2 pm) unless they are well covered with protective clothing.

On the other hand, research has been mounting that sunshine prevents cancer. Numerous studies have demonstrated that cancers of the colon, breast, prostate and lung are less common among people who get some regular sun exposure. There is even research to suggest that a little sunlight may help against skin cancer.

Harvard professor, Edward Giovannucci, ScD, stirred up a hornet?s nest with his recent keynote speech to the American Association for Cancer Research. Dr. Giovannucci suggested that exposure to the sun might prevent 30 deaths from other cancers for every death caused by skin cancer.

To achieve this benefit, though, people may need over 1000 International Units (IUs) of vitamin D daily. The current recommendation is for only 400 IUs. Sunshine is important because it stimulates the production of vitamin D in the skin. It is possible to overdose with oral supplements, but the skin only makes as much as the body can use.

Unfortunately, many Americans do not get enough vitamin D. They spend most of their time inside. Even in the summer they may prefer to spend their time in air-conditioned comfort. If they do engage in outside activities they put on a high SPF sunscreen before they even go out the door. This dramatically reduces the amount of vitamin D the skin can make.

Is it possible to get the benefits of the sun without putting yourself at risk of premature aging or skin cancer? According to Michael Holick, MD, PhD, Professor of Medicine, Physiology and Biophysics at Boston University School of Medicine, sensible exposure is absolutely necessary for good health.