Vitamin D and the Sun

Monday, 22 February 2010 12:11

By now, you’re probably well aware of the relationship between the sun and vitamin D. With the risks of premature skin aging at one extreme and melanoma at the other, the trick is to manage your sun exposure so that it works in your favor.

Here are a few ideas we grabbed from The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention site and a publication from the NIH Clinical Center

- Avoid intentional tanning and stay away from tanning beds.

- Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 on all exposed skin. Make sure it’s a broad spectrum formula that protects you from ultraviolet A and B rays.

- Wear sun protective clothing such as a long-sleeved shirt, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.

Supplement your diet with vitamin D. American Bone Health recommends that most adults take a minimum of 1,000 but not more than 2,000 international units of this essential nutrient daily.