People with fairer skin could be in a biological catch-22, if researchers from the University of Leeds are to be believed. Though sufficient exposure to sun is required by them so that their bodies trigger the production of Vitamin D essential for their bone health, they risk sunburns and cancer of the skin with longer exposures without adequate protection of melanin, the pigment that gives darker colour to the skin but also protects from the harmful effects of direct sun exposure. (1)
The research which was funded by Cancer Research U.K., eventually suggested that such persons with lower levels of melanin cover should take Vitamin D supplements besides applying adequate quantities of sunscreen when they set out into the sunny outdoors. However, there is a catch. How much Vitamin D is adequate for them?
The study, which was published in the journal Cancer Causes and Control, suggested that though melanoma and other bone conditions patients of fairer skin tones may need vitamin D supplements, apart from the limited sun exposure, still there were other factors that determined the actual level of Vitamin D in a person’s body.
It might so happen that though two people with the same skin tones may take the same vitamin supplement dosage and exposure to sunlight, may have different levels of Vitamin D due to the difference in the way their bodies process Vitamin D. (2)
There is rallying around a standard definition at present on how much is optimal Vitamin D levels. The study defined the optimal amount of vitamin D required by the body as at least 60nmol/L. However at present there is no universally agreed standard definition of an optimal level of vitamin D.
The research examined the Vitamin D levels of 1200 very light-complexioned people and found that more than 700 of them had sub-optimal levels. Researchers chose 60nmol/L as the optimal vitamin D level in part because there is evidence that levels lower than this may be linked to greater risk of heart disease and poorer survival from breast cancer. It was agreed between the Cancer Research UK and other health charities that values below 25 nmol/L had adverse effect on bone health.
Yet as a caveat, Sara Hiom, director of health information at Cancer Research UK, has gone on record to say, “We must be careful about raising the definition of deficiency or sufficiency to higher levels until we have more results from trials showing that maintaining such levels has clear health benefits and no health risks.” (3)
SOURCES:
1. Pale People May Need Vitamin D Supplements; Science Daily News; October, 2011;
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003195255.htm
2. The Determinants Of Serum Vitamin D Levels In Participants In A Melanoma Case–Control Study Living In A Temperate Climate; SpringerLink.com; October, 2011;
http://www.springerlink.com/content/1wk20553284hx713/
3. Pale people may need vitamin D supplements; University of Leeds - Health and Ageing News; October, 2011; http://www.leeds.ac.uk/news/article/2502/pale_people_may_need_vitamin_d_supplements
INFORMATION IN THIS ARTICLE IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE. ALL INFORMATION GIVEN IS TO BE CHECKED WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE IMPLEMENTING OR TAKING THEM AS STANDARD OR VERIFIED.
Mamta Singh is a published author of the books
Migraines for the Informed Woman – Tips From A Sufferer
ISBN: 978-81-291-1517-1
Publisher: Rupa & Co.
http://www.amazon.com/Migraines-Informed-Woman-Tips-Sufferer/dp/8129115174/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1298990756&sr=1-2)
Mentor Your Mind – Tested Mantras For The Busy Woman
ISBN: 978-81-207-5973-2
Publisher: Sterling Publishers
http://www.amazon.com/Mentor-Your-Mind-Tested-Mantras/dp/8120759737/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1316063179&sr=8-1
and the upcoming
The Urban Woman’s Integrated Fitness Guide
Publisher: Hay House India
She is also a seasoned business, creative and academic writer. She is a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer & sports nutritionist through IFA, Florida USA. Mamta is an NCFE-certified Holistic Health Therapist SAC Dip U.K. She is the lead writer and holds Expert Author status in many well-received health, fitness and nutrition sites.
She runs her own popular blogs on migraines in women and holistic health. Mamta holds a double Master's Degree in Commerce and Business. She is a registered practitioner with the UN recognised Art of Living Foundation. Please visit www.mamtasingh.com
Reviewed November 23, 2011
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith