In search of vitamin D, and sunscreen too

by Jacki Donaldson (Subscribe to Jacki Donaldson's posts)
May 17th 2008 9:00AM

So I need a certain amount of direct sunlight every day in order to soak up some necessary vitamin D. But I also need to wear sunscreen at all times to protect my skin from the sun's dangerous rays. Both bits of wisdom make sense. And they don't make sense at all. I mean, if I wear sunscreen all the time, how will I get my vitamin D? And if I hang out in the sun for even 10 minutes without lathering up, I'll get burned. Trust me, I will.

It's controversial, this sun vs. sunscreen predicament. The National Institutes of Health suggests we get five to 30 minutes of sun, free from sunblock, a few times per week to avoid vitamin D deficiencies. It keeps bones strong, helps prevent heart disease, and may ward off cancer. These are biggies. But wearing sunscreen every day is big too. It's the only way to keep skin cancer at bay.

Err on the side of protecting your skin, says popular opinion. Just count on getting your vitamin D from walking to and from your car, the grocery store, your mailbox a few times a week. You can get it from food sources too, like fortified breakfast cereals and milk, or from a dietary supplement. And if you're concerned you may be vitamin D deficient, consult your physician.

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Comments (2)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

marcie0305 5-18-2008 @ 7:49AM

Good post! A conundrum I think about a lot :) I tend to carry the sunscreen and use it when I feel we are getting "pink" - it's one of those things you have to pay close attention to. I also purchase natural sunscreens such as

http://www.albabotanica.com/?title=Sun+Care

Vitamin D is essential to our health, and I always prefer the natural source - which in this case is the sun. I do use sunscreen products on my face pretty religiously, though, for obvious reasons :) Eating healthy also helps your skin to do its job, which is filtering in good stuff and out with bad stuff :)

~Marcie
http://feedingblackmail.blogspot.com

sharmac 6-02-2008 @ 11:46PM

Hi!
First off! I am with you both. Vitamin D natural is the way to go. I try to do everything natural or close to it, organics, etc. But, at times it's difficult to do. Marcie, great blog! I just went on quickly, can't wait to read everything you have on there!
I was never big on vitamins. However, I just started taking a WHOLE FOOD liquid vitamin. I never realized that liquid vitamins have 98% absorption rate vs. pill form. After being introduced to the vitamin, I learned that our soils are depleted 85% with toxins and chemicals and that's what is in our foods. So even when we try to eat healthy, it's not working all the time. The Whole Food vitamin, has vitamins, minerals and nutrients. It has changed my life. More energy, healthier looking. It's organic aloe with sea vegetables and minerals, black cherry and honey. It does include the Vitamin D, although I still go out 15-20 minutes a day for my natural intake.
As for sunscreen, I tend to try and stay away from it. I use it when I start to get red or I get out of the sun.
If you want to learn more about the vitamin, feel free. I became a customer---no cost. You can check it out at http//www.lifeforce.net/20730705
It changed my life, this vitamin. I have never felt healthier. !