Vitamin D is nicknamed “sunshine vitamin” because the skin produces the vitamin from ultraviolet rays. Researchers are now stating that using sunscreen may contribute to more cancer deaths than preventing it. Dermatologists and health agencies have said suntan lotions are needed to prevent skin cancer; scientists are now challenging that. Vitamin D is needed for preventing and treating cancers, such as the following:

• Lymphoma
• Prostate
• Lung
• Skin
• Colon

A Harvard professor states that vitamin D may prevent 30 deaths for each one caused by skin cancer. From this statement, the American Cancer Society is now reconsidering its sun guidelines.

Getting Enough Sunshine

Scientists believe 15 minutes, a few times per week, of “safe sun” (without sunscreen) are both achievable and healthful. Even with sunshine recommendations, the amount needed depends on season, skin color, time of day, and the location of the world.

Recommendations:

• Get outside regularly.
• Take time for yourself.
• Work up to the point where you get one hour of sun per day.
• Stay away from tanning beds.
• Never stay in the sun long enough to burn your skin.
• Vitamin D is also found naturally in salmon, tuna, other oily fish, and routinely added to milk.

Sources: “Critics Now Accept the Sun as Your Healthiest Source of Vitamin D,” http://www.mercola.com/2005/jun/7/sun.vitamin.htm.; “Vitamin D Research May Have Doctors Prescribing Sunshine,” May 21, 2005, by USAToday.com, http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-05-21-doctors-sunshine-good_x.htm.