“Unfortunately, almost no one gets enough sunshine-made vitamin D3 for it to do its job, and it’s got a big job: reduce inflammation, regulate cell growth and protect your immune and neuromuscular systems.” — Dr. Mehmet Oz and Dr. Michael Roizen in a column they jointly write, published Wednesday.

“So what do you need to get all this D3 power? The Endocrine Society says you should have a ‘D’ blood level of 30 ng/ml; new Institute of Medicine recommendations say 20. But we say 50 to 80 is good.”

According to peer-reviewed data in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, sunbed users have average vitamin D levels in the mid-40s — 90 percent higher than the American average. A Canadian study by Dr. Gerry Schwalfenberg showed that sunbed users have the highest ‘D’ levels of any group in Canada.

Oz has made different statements about sunbed usage in the past. While he has said new reports about the sunshine vitamin have him re-thinking his position on sunbeds, he recommends getting vitamin D from supplements.

To read the column in The Gainsville Sun click here.

SmartTan.com news articles regularly report medical and scientific information to keep you abreast of current events related to UV light. This information is not intended to be used by any party to make unwarranted health claims to promote sunbed usage. Indoor tanning businesses are obligated to communicate a fair and balanced message to all clients about your products and services including the potential risks associated with indoor tanning. Contact your Smart Tan representative to find out more about what you can and can’t say in your tanning salon business.

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