Everyone’s talking about…the ‘Sunshine’ Drug
What’s the deal?
Scientists have known for years that deficiency in vitamin D can cause bone problems such as rickets and osteoporosis. But recently, experts say that vitamin D can protect against a whole host of diseases including bowel and breast cancer, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, dementia, birth difficulties and autism.
Can’t I just take supplements?
You can get vitamin D from meat, eggs, oily fish and some cereals but the sun’s rays are really the major source. Scientists say that the best way to boost vitamin D levels is to expose your body without sunscreen at noon and early afternoon in spring and summer. The problem is that if you don’t protect yourself from the sun then you could end up with skin cancer.
So what should I do?
Cancer Research UK agrees that it’s important not to cover up all the time but says that most people in the UK only need to spend a short amount of time in the sun to make enough vitamin D - always less than for tanning or burning. The World Health Organisation says that 5-15 minutes of casual sun exposure of hands, face and arms two to three times a week during the summer is enough to keep vitamin D levels high. Ask your doctor for more advice.
From the June 2009 My Nametags newsletter