Is high factor sunscreen contributing to vitamin d deficiency

The new message from Cancer Research UK, as of this year, is 'Never be red at the end of the day'  -and that ten to 15 minutes of midday sun exposure, without wearing suntan cream, is actually beneficial. This apparent change of heart has stemmed from the fact that vitamin d deficiency amongst seemingly healthy adults and children is on the rise.

Alongside bone disease in children, deficiency has also been linked to cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and several cancers, as well as bone softening in adults and experts claim a lifetime of covering up means many adults are at risk.

Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium and maintaining strong bones and teeth, and also important for the function of the immune system. 

Although it can be obtained in small quantities by eating oily fish, eggs and liver, about 80 per cent of what the body needs is obtained via a chemical process that happens when sunlight is absorbed by the skin. 

However, once deficient, the amount of sunlight needed would be detrimental and would put you at risk of sun-related skin damage meaning the only way to optimise vitamin d levels at that stage is supplements.

The Daily Mail recently arranged for tests to be carried out on 5 seemingly healthy adults to determine their Vitamin D levels. The results were telling. All the participants had less than the optimum blood level of 80 nmol/litre and in all cases a course of supplements was recommended.

Dr Ellie Cannon, who conducted the testing, commented ‘I would never recommend sunbathing because of the skin damage and cancer risks. However, sun exposure in the summer months in the UK is important  -  for example, if you are walking to the shops, leave your arms and face bare of sunscreen, just for 20 to 30 minutes. Doing this only three times a week is enough to keep your Vitamin D levels at a good amount.’