People's Pharmacy

For more up-to-date information on drugs, herbs and home remedies visit The People's Pharmacy Home Site at peoplespharmacy.us

Skin Doctors Turn Thumbs Down On Sun

Posting Date: 07/18/2005

?Rather than seek intentional sun exposure, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends that anyone concerned about getting enough vitamin D should supplement a healthy diet with multivitamins and fortified foods and beverages. Individuals who seek the sun are putting their health at risk.

?The Academy?s message is one of common sense and caution. When enjoying the outdoors, we recommend everyone take protective steps: seek shade, wear sunscreen and cover up with a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeves, pants and sunglasses. Also, avoid tanning beds.

?Sincerely, Clay J. Cockerell, MD?

We appreciate the call for common sense. Too much sun is clearly harmful.

But we are skeptical of getting adequate vitamin D from a multivitamin. Multivitamins contain only 400 IU (international units) of vitamin D, often in a less usable form than the skin makes.

Current estimates suggest adults may need 1,000 IU daily, and Dr. Giovannucci believes 1,500 IU might be closer to the mark. Taking several multiple vitamins to provide that much D would result in a dangerous overload of other vitamins. Vitamin D itself is toxic if too much is taken orally.

The inescapable conclusion, we feel, points to moderation in sun exposure as well as vitamin consumption for most people. A sunburn or even a tan is unhealthy, but a few minutes of sun a few times a week might have real benefit.

* * *

Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio. In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.org.

2005 King Features Syndicate, Inc.