Follow
Using sunscreen with high SPF blocks the absorption of vitamin D
STATES CHRONICLE – Sunscreen protects our skin from burns and reduces the risk of developing melanoma, but it might come with some disadvantages, too. If we expose ourselves to sunlight, we receive vitamin D. However, too much sunscreen might prevent us from receiving the necessary amount of the vitamin, thus causing further problems.
Nowadays, people avoid spending too much time outside without sunscreen. The cancer fear now made them be more precautious, as they now avoid going out and, when they do, they opt for sun cream with high SPF. However, this might not be the best choice for them.
Why is vitamin D good for the body?
The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) developed a study, claiming that sunscreen might cause vitamin D deficiency. They discovered that protective cream blocks the amount of vitamin D absorbed by the skin. More precisely, any sun product with a SPF of 15 and higher slows the production of vitamin D3 by 99 percent.
Vitamin D is vital for the body. It is good for the bones, as it helps with the absorption of calcium and prevents the development of several diseases, such as osteoporosis. People can get this vitamin from food, but also from sunlight. The ideal vitamin D quantity which is necessary every day can be obtained from a 30-minute walk without sunscreen.
African-Americans, more affected by vitamin D deficiency
Thus, people are blocking their main vitamin D resource, thus ending up with severe deficiencies. However, the most affected are African-Americans, who undergo a more difficult vitamin D synthesis. The high amount of melanin in their skin makes it more difficult for the vitamin to be absorbed, so they need a more prolonged exposure to sunlight.
You might find it risky to get your daily vitamin D dose in such a way, but there are still healthy levels of exposure available. Thus, going out without sunscreen does not necessarily mean that you are vulnerable to skin cancer, if you choose the suitable hours when the sunlight is not so powerful.
To make sure you get all the vitamin D you need, go talk to your physician and find the best way where you can get it from. Besides sunlight, you can receive it from foods such as fish, eggs, cheese, or milk.
Image Source: Pixabay
