Fear of the sun could lead to Vitamin D deficiencies

• The vitamin D controversy and the sun While excessive exposure to the sun and especially sunburn do cause skin cancers, Dr Michael Holick, a professor of dermatology, clearly states that reasonable exposure is appropriate and good.
• Dr Michael Holick, a professor of dermatology, was fired from his post because of a book he wrote entitled The UV Advantage, which suggests that some sunlight may be healthy for all of us.
• The American Cancer Association has stated that 'The best way to lower the risk of melanoma is to avoid too much exposure to the sun and other sources of UV light'.
• No doubt excess exposure and repeated sunburn can cause skin cancer, but Dr Holick is talking about reasonable exposure and suggests that it is important for all of us to get our dose of sunshine regularly.
• The benefits of sensible sun exposure are worth the risks.
• Vitamin D and hypertension Dr Jonathan Wright refers to a substantial proportion of hypertension as 'high-latitude hypertension' and treats it with vitamin D. Vitamin D is able to lower hypertension by addressing one of the major causes of high blood pressure -- an excess of angiotensin II in the blood which causes constriction of the blood vessels.4 Angiotensin II has other negative effects on the heart and circulation.
• In 2001 the National Academy of Sciences published a comprehensive review9 showing that the omega 6:3 ratio was the key to preventing skin cancer development.
• Always add vitamin A and antioxidant creams to your skin after sun exposure or take them orally.
• Persons over 65 years of age who get minimum sun exposure throughout the year should take an additional 400 IU of vitamin D to provide a total of 800 IU/day.
• The Vitamin D Council recommends at least 1 000 IU/day (25 mcg/day) for healthy adults with a total of about 3 000 IU/day from all sources (sunlight, food and supplements).
• Dr Fernandes recommends appropriate sun exposure with good doses of vitamin D and to apply vitamin A plus antioxidant creams for optimum health.