VITAMIN D AND UV RADIATION
Sensible sun protection behaviour should not put people at risk of vitamin D deficiency.
There are both beneficial and detrimental effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Exposure to UVR is the cause of over 90% of all skin cancer cases, and skin cancer is the most common cancer in New Zealand with an estimated 60,000 new cases, and over 300 deaths, each year.
Adequate vitamin D status is also essential for general health, particularly for bone, joint, muscle and neurological function. The link between sunlight exposure, vitamin D levels and osteoporosis is well established. Vitamin D may also protect against certain cancers.
The main source of vitamin D in Australia and NZ is exposure to sunlight, therefore some UVR exposure is important for vitamin D production. Because of this, a balance is required between avoiding an increased risk of skin cancer and maintaining adequate vitamin D levels.
In 2005, the Cancer Society convened a multi-disciplinary panel of experts to develop the below Position Statement on Vitamin D and UVR exposure (The Risks and Benefits of Sun Exposure in New Zealand). This includes recommendations for UVR exposure among people of different skin types in both the summer and winter months.
If you have naturally dark skin, you need more UVR exposure to produce adequate levels of Vitamin D.
This year, the Cancer Society brought together an expert advisory group to review new evidence on this issue and a revised Position Statement will be available in 2008. A report on Vitamin D, UVR and cancer was prepared as background for this advisory group.
Review on Vitamin D, Sun Exposure and Cancer
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