Dermo-Aesthetic Blog

BENEFITS OF SUN AND VITAMIN D

Sunbathing, when done properly, is beneficial for our health. The aspect of a bronzed skin is not only a sign of health and youth, but also contributes to improve, in our western society, the social image.

The sun has a therapeutical action against diverse diseases and it is the main source of vitamin D.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin — that is disolved in fat, which is foundamental for the good performance of our metabolism. The main function of this vitamin is to be a help for the absorption of calcium. This implies that a lack of vitamin D is a risk factor for osteoporosis in adults and rickets in children. Other minor sources of vitamine D are: fatty fishes, milk (with fat), or egg yolks. According to the information provided by the National Library of Medicine of the U.S.A. and by Medicine Plus, vitamine D is a powerful anti-oxidant, whose deficit seems to be linked to the development of some aggresive cancers. For certain types of pathologies and conditions, vitamin D supplements are beneficial:

• Older people
• Breastfed babies
• Dark-skinned people
• People with certain diseases such as liver diseases, cystic fibrosis and Crohn's disease. 
• Obese people or people having had a gastric bypass surgery

But all has to be well proportioned. Vitamin D as a supplement should not be taken without medical supervision, since too much vitamin D can lead to hypercalcaemia, and thus calcium can be built up in our body causing renal calculus, calcium deposits in soft tissues, gastrointestinal symptoms and even disorientation. In the meantime, we can sunbathe. Sunbathing 30 minutes a day is recommended in order to avoid vitamin D deficits. And now, in the summer and with a good sunscreen, it is very easy! 

Amapola Munuera Glez.

MSc in Pharmacy

References:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/spanish/vitamind.html

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/spanish/ency/article/002405.htm

This is our section of sunscreen products: http://www.farmaciacampoamor.com/en/136-sun-care