people under the age of 50 have the capacit y t o store about six months of vi tamin D WE GET VITAMIN D FROM THE SUN, FACT OR FICTION? Fact! Vitamin D status is generally maintained in the population by exposure to sunlight. DOES SUNSCREEN AFFECT THE ABSORPTION OF VITAMIN D? While in laboratory testing sunscreen appears to reduce formation of vitamin D, in real life, studies have shown no appreciable difference in vitamin D levels between people who use sunscreen regularly and those who do not. It is theorised that people who use sunscreen may not use enough to compromise vitamin D synthesis or that in fact those who use sunscreen regularly may spend more time in the sun and thereby still produce sufficient vitamin D. THE GOLD COAST IS A SUNNY PLACE; SURELY WE ARE NOT AT RISK OF VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY? Provided you get outdoors a few times a week with at least five to 15 minutes of sun exposure, and are not in one of the high-risk categories, you are likely to produce enough vitamin D. However, for people who never get outdoors there is the risk of deficiency, wherever you live. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GETTING VITAMIN D THROUGH DIET AND GETTING VITAMIN D FROM THE SUN? We produce our own vitamin D from cholesterol through a process starting with the action of sunlight on our skin. We can obtain a small amount from food, however this form is less biologically active; most people only get about 5-10% of their vitamin D from food. HOW DO WE FIND OUT IF WE ARE VITAMIN D DEFICIENT? Contact your doctor who can arrange for a blood test to assess your level of vitamin D and determine if a supplement is necessary WHAT ARE THE WAYS PEOPLE CAN INCREASE THEIR VITAMIN D LEVELS? Generally five to 15 minutes of sun exposure on the hands, face and arms (or equivalent area) four to six times a week is sufficient in summer. Recommendations based on geographical location can be found on the Cancer Council website www.cancer.org.au 7 8 9 10 11 12 SUN EXPOSURE pindaramagazine.com.au Pindara Magazine 71
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Eight
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