Vitamin D is vital for human health. Not just responsible for regulating calcium absorption and improving bone density, this key vitamin also has a positive effect on many other diseases, including colon cancer, breast cancer, various other cancers, respiratory diseases and type 1 diabetes. However, only a minor amount of the vitamin D necessary for human health can be obtained from our diet and a level between 80 and 90% is obtained by exposing the skin to UVB rays.
Dr. Frank R. de Gruijl and Dr. Stan Pavel of Leiden University in Holland have carried out a study comparing the effects of low-level UV irradiation and orally-administered vitamin D supplements on the participants' vitamin D levels and their likelihood of catching a cold. For the purposes of the study, they set up three groups. The first group used a sunbed three times a week (in line with EU safety guidelines). The second group took daily supplements of 1000 IU/d vitamin D. The third (control) group did neither.
At the end of the trial, the vitamin D levels in the control group had fallen. The vitamin D levels in the group which took the supplements had increased significantly, however, the highest vitamin D levels were observed in the group which had used the sunbeds.
"The study shows that the use of modern sunbeds which conform to EU standards can significantly increase vitamin D levels. In the northern hemisphere, there is insufficient sunlight between September and March to ensure that vitamin D can be synthesized via the skin. So moderate, regular exposure using modern sunbeds can help to prevent vitamin D deficiencies during the winter months", Ad Brand of the Sunlight Research Forum (SRF) explains.
The Sunlight Research Forum (SRF) is a non-profit organisation based in the Netherlands. The SRF works to communicate new medical and scientific research into the effects of moderate UV exposure on humans.
Dr. Frank R. de Gruijl and Dr. Stan Pavel of Leiden University in Holland have carried out a study comparing the effects of low-level UV irradiation and orally-administered vitamin D supplements on the participants' vitamin D levels and their likelihood of catching a cold. For the purposes of the study, they set up three groups. The first group used a sunbed three times a week (in line with EU safety guidelines). The second group took daily supplements of 1000 IU/d vitamin D. The third (control) group did neither.
At the end of the trial, the vitamin D levels in the control group had fallen. The vitamin D levels in the group which took the supplements had increased significantly, however, the highest vitamin D levels were observed in the group which had used the sunbeds.
"The study shows that the use of modern sunbeds which conform to EU standards can significantly increase vitamin D levels. In the northern hemisphere, there is insufficient sunlight between September and March to ensure that vitamin D can be synthesized via the skin. So moderate, regular exposure using modern sunbeds can help to prevent vitamin D deficiencies during the winter months", Ad Brand of the Sunlight Research Forum (SRF) explains.
The Sunlight Research Forum (SRF) is a non-profit organisation based in the Netherlands. The SRF works to communicate new medical and scientific research into the effects of moderate UV exposure on humans.
