Vitamin Deficiency Caused By "Sun Fear"
As reported in ScienceDaily (7/09) Vitamin D Deficiency Is Widespread And On The Increase -
A report issued by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) and published
in the scientific journal Osteoporosis International1, shows that populations
across the globe are suffering from the impact of low levels of vitamin D. The
problem is widespread and on the increase, with potentially severe
repercussions for overall health and fracture rates.
Vitamin D is mainly produced in the skin upon exposure to sunlight, and, to a
lesser extent, is derived from nutritional sources. It plays an important role,
through its influence on calcium levels, in the maintenance of organ systems,
and is needed for normal bone mineralization and growth. Suboptimal levels of
vitamin D may lead to increased risk of osteoporosis and hip fracture and, in
severe cases, to the development of rickets, a softening of bones in children
that can lead to skeletal fractures and deformity.
Although there is ongoing debate as to what constitutes the optimal level of
vitamin D, the report shows that regardless of whether it is defined at
50nmol/L or 75nmol/L, vitamin D status is seriously inadequate in large
proportions of the population across the globe.
The main risk factors for low vitamin D levels include older age, female sex,
lower latitudes, winter season, darker skin pigmentation, less sunlight
exposure, dietary habits, and the absence of vitamin D fortification in common
foods. Further factors include the increase in urbanization, where people tend
to live and work indoors, as well as cultural practices that tend towards sun
avoidance and the wearing of traditional clothing that covers the skin. The
severity of the problem in Middle East and South Asia arises from the
combination of several of these risk factors.
National Plans Of Action Should Encourage Safe, Limited Exposure To Sunlight
These findings suggest that prevention strategies must be initiated at the
national level - especially given the increasing ageing of populations in many
regions of the world. National plans of action should encourage safe, limited
exposure to sunlight and improved dietary intake of vitamin D, whilst
considering fortification of foods as well.
Compiled by IOF's expert working group on nutrition, the report reviews the
scope and causes of low vitamin D levels in six regions: Asia, Europe, Latin
America, Middle East and Africa, North America and Oceania. Regional reports
are available on the IOF website.
Sun Exposure Proven Therapeutic, While Avoiding Sun Harms Health
As reported by Michelle Goldstein (7/13) For NaturalNews
Since the time of Ramses in Egypt, the health benefits of the sun have been well
known and accepted. Widespread sun therapy use decreased after the discovery of
antibiotics. The current fear of sunlight began in the 1960s when individuals
practicing unsafe sun practices developed sunburns, associated with melanoma.
Newer research shows low sun exposure and vitamin D levels decrease survival
rates from skin cancer and increase risks of several diseases, including
For Most Of Human History The Sun Was Respected For Its Curative Powers
Six thousand years ago health practitioners reported the benefits of the sun for
heart health. Heliotherapy was praised by Hippocrates, along with the
physicians of Rome and Arabia. Roman scholar Pliny described the sun as the
most important self-administered medicine. In Rome the sun treated epilepsy,
paralysis, asthma, jaundice, bladder and colon diseases, and obesity. In the
1700s sunlight was used to relieve scurvy and rickets. In the late 1800s,
sunlight treated bacterial infections, including anthrax, cholera and
dysentery. In 1903 and 1905, Nobel prizes were given to sunlight therapists
Finsen and Koch, who used ultraviolet light to treat tuberculosis. Dr. Auguste
Rollier used sunlight therapy in Switzerland for 40 years to treat TB and
obtained success for 1,746 out of 2,167 patients, only failing with more
advanced cases. Florence Nightingale redesigned many hospitals in the early
1900s to allow in more therapeutic sunlight. Dr. Oskar Bernhard used sun
therapy during WWl to treat wounds and prevent tetanus and gangrene. Through
the 1900s sun light therapy was used to treat diseases of the skin, nervous
system, musculoskeletal system, circulatory system, respiration, ear, nose and
Sun Therapy Lost Popularity After The Discovery Of Penicillin In The Late 1920s
Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in the late 1920s, which was followed by
the discovery of antibiotics. These discoveries increased the prominence of
drug therapy in replacing more natural cures such as sunlight therapy.
Discovery Of Sunburn Connection To Melanoma Fueled Current Misguided Fear Of The
Middle class individuals experienced sunburns in the 1960s and 70s due to
sporadic leisure sun exposure after spending most of their time indoors.
Sunburned skin became linked to increased risk of skin cancer. Rather than
recommend safer sun exposure practices, physicians advised avoiding the sun.
The unregulated sunscreen industry responded with creations of toxic sun screen
lotions, containing carcinogenic ingredients and blocking healthful UVB sun
rays, which convert to vitamin D. With the subsequent fear of sun came
widespread vitamin D deficiencies, associated with increased risks of heart
disease, cancer and other diseases. (http://www.naturalnews.com).
Supplementation with sun tan booths, vitamin D3 or fermented cod liver oil can
alleviate vitamin D deficiency.
How To Sunbathe Safely
Healthy exposure to the sun can be achieved through large skin exposure between
10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the optimal UVB rays can maximize vitamin D
conversion. Dark skinned individuals will need longer exposure times in the
sun, compared to those with lighter skin. Avoid sun burn by minimizing sun
exposure once skin turns light pink. Use of protective hats and clothing, along
with safe sun screen is recommended only if needed to prevent burns. See
(http://www.ewg.org) for safe sunscreens.
Enjoy the summer sun without "protection" as often as possible. Use shade, hats,
protective clothing and safe sunscreens to prevent burning, only after long
exposures. The sun possesses enormous therapeutic health value and has long
been used to cure diseases. Avoiding the sun can cause vitamin D deficiency,
which is correlated with many illnesses. Explore sources below for more
Michelle Goldstein is a licensed clinical social worker working as a mental
health therapist. She incorporates holistic approaches into her counseling
practice. She is a mother who found a cure in the realm of alternative medicine
for her 11 year old daughter diagnosed in 2008 with an "incurable disease". Her
two year search involved tremendous research, experimentation, and consultation
with over 12 different holistic practitioners. Ms. Goldstein is now passionate
about alternative health care and the politics which impact it. She has
finished her first draft of a comprehensive book on holistic health.