Has the slow, Canadian winter got you burning for some sunshine?
Are you longing to find out the boiling truth on sun exposure and vitamin D rather than staying in the shadow of misleading information?
If you are trapped in the sunshine ‘D’-lemma, you are not alone. The need to discuss vitamin D has finally come to light.
Whether you are wondering if sun protection outshines vitamin D production: get your sunscreen ready because there is a lot of blistering information coming your way. A dermatologist has all the sizzling answers.
Wear sunscreen year-round, but don't let any product give you a false sense of protection from sun exposure. A combination of shade, clothing, sunscreen, and common sense is your best option.
The recommendation for healthy adults is 400 to 1,000 IU per day, with higher doses recommended for adults over 50 and young adults at risk for osteoporosis or disorders that may affect the absorption of vitamin D.
If you are over 50, Osteoporosis Canada recommends that you receive 800 IU -2000 IU of vitamin D every day.
If you think you lack vitamin D, ask a healthcare professional if you need to take supplements and what would be the appropriate dose for you.
Some people are at a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency and are encouraged to consult their doctor to determine if they require vitamin D supplementation. Some examples include:
Despite the contradictory messages, you and I need to take a vitamin D supplement and complement our diets with foods rich in vitamin D such as milk and salmon, especially in the fall and winter seasons. It is also essential to limit your time in the sun to protect your skin against early wrinkles, damage, skin cancer, and all the dark sides of sun exposure.