Vitamin D and UV protection

摘要

A high percentage of people present with reduced vitamin D-3 levels. Reduced vitamin D-3 levels have to be supplemented. Oral supplementation can be performed easily and without significant side effects. Because vitamin D-3 can be produced in the skin via ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation, it is possible to elevate reduced vitamin D-3 levels by UVB exposure. However, UVB, which is classified as a complete carcinogen, induces skin cancer. Therefore, UVB irradiation should not be utilized to stimulate vitamin D-3 synthesis. Sun protection, especially wearing of clothes and seeking shade and appropriate use of sunscreens, correlates with reduced D-3 levels. A risk-benefit calculation shows that oral supplementation of vitamin D-3 is preferred to UVB/sun expsure to increase serum vitamin D-3 levels.