During the long winter months many parts of the United States experience very little sunshine and most people spend a lot of their time indoors. This concerns many people who are aware that sunshine is important to help the body make vitamin D. New research has shown that fair skinned people in particular should be concerned about this matter and may need vitamin D supplements.
ScienceDaily has reported "Pale People May Need Vitamin D Supplements." Researchers at the University of Leeds have suggested that people with very pale skin in particular may be unable to spend enough time in the sun to make the amount of vitamin D which the body needs, while also avoiding sunburn. Vitamin D is important for strong bones and teeth. The Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health reports that vitamin D is also important for modulation of cell growth, neuromuscular and immune function, and the reduction of inflammation.
This study, which has been published in Cancer Causes and Control, has suggested that melanoma patients may also need vitamin D supplements. The researchers have also noted that other factors besides sunlight and supplements can also determine the level of vitamin D in someone's body. There are inherited differences in the manner in which people's bodies process vitamin D into the active form which also have a strong effect on people's vitamin D levels.
The lead author of this study, Professor Julia Newton-Bishop, has commented "Fair-skinned individuals who burn easily are not able to make enough vitamin D from sunlight and so may need to take vitamin D supplements." In this study fair-skinned people had significantly lower levels of vitamin D. It is advised that you talk with your doctor if you are concerned about your vitamin D levels.
Photographer: Kittikun Atsawintarangkul
