Messages Mixed on Sunning, Vitamin D

May 26, 2006, The Toronto Star
SHERYL UBELACKER, CANADIAN PRESS

Sunlight may be the easiest and most natural way to get a health-enhancing dose of vitamin D, but Canadians should know that a little sun goes a long way, says a Canada-U.S. consensus group formed to determine the risks and benefits of exposure to ultraviolet rays. In what has turned out to be a delicate balancing act, the group is advising that while too much time in the sun raises the risk of skin cancer, avoiding it entirely can lead to a deficiency in vitamin D — and that may elevate the risk of other types of cancers and diseases.

Many Canadians and Americans from northern states may not have optimal levels of vitamin D, a nutrient produced by the body through the skin's exposure to sunlight. Much of that deficiency likely results from lack of sunlight during winter months. But some experts concede that confusion over conflicting messages about the blessings and perils of UV exposure in recent years may also have contributed to inadequate levels in the population.

"Our messaging at the time said avoid being out in the sun — and in the media they're hearing that there's benefits to being in the sun," says Heather Logan, director of cancer control policy for the Canadian Cancer Society, one of the health-related organizations involved in the consensus group that released its findings and recommendations yesterday. "We now have new information (on the health effects from sunlight) and we're revising our messages in accordance with that new scientific evidence."

However, she cautions that Canadians still need to carefully weigh the risks and benefits of catching some rays. "So while sunlight is important for a person's health, we know that you don't need to get a tan in order to get the benefits. Just a little bit of sun goes a long way."

Experts agree that sun protection is needed when the UV index is three or higher, usually between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. during warm-weather months. But at the same time, adequate levels of vitamin D can promote health.

Because few foods contain vitamin D, the Dietitians of Canada is recommending for the first time that Canadians take supplements. Susan Whiting of the Dietitians of Canada says 1,000 IUs of vitamin D daily is a realistic amount for all ages.