Sun: Friend or Foe to Our Health?
It is known that the sun is an important source of satisfying vitamin D needs. That’s why vitamin D is also called the sun vitamin. With the help of the sun’s ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, the 7-dehydrocholesterol substance in the skin is transformed into previtamin D3, which is the precursor of vitamin D. The precursor of vitamin D is also metabolized to its active form (1.25-dihydroxy vitamin D) in the liver and kidneys, respectively.
The formation of sun-induced vitamin D is greatly affected by season, time of day, latitude, altitude, air pollution, skin pigmentation (skin discoloration), use of sunscreen, penetration of rays through glass, and aging.
The World Health Organization’s International Panel on Cancer Research has reported that UV radiation from the sun or from artificial sources such as tanning booths are known carcinogens (cancer-causing substances). 1,2,3
Exposure to UV rays from the sun or tanning booths is a known risk factor for the development of skin cancer, including the deadly melanoma.
In order to protect against skin cancer caused by UV, sun protection measures such as staying in the shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher are recommended.
Therefore, in order to meet the need for vitamin D3, it is recommended to eat foods rich in vitamin D3 or to take vitamin D3 supplements.
