Dermatology leaders continue to publicly state that there is no research connecting sunbeds with higher vitamin D levels — an assertion on par with inexplicable statements made by The Flat Earth Society.

“I have found no evidence-based scientific studies demonstrating that indoor tanning increases serum vitamin D levels. Since much of the UV light in tanning booths is in the UVA spectrum and vitamin D is converted in the UVB spectrum I wouldn’t expect it,” — University of Minnesota Clinical Professor of Dermatology Dr. Cindy Firkins Smith in a written response to an Omaha World Herald story on sunbeds.

Smith is a past president of the Minnesota Dermatology Society and the Mid-Minnesota Medical Society — positions where she should be aware that that UV component of sunlight is about 95 percent UVA and 5 percent UVB in the summer — like most sunlamps — Smith’s public statement makes no sense photobiologically. And several studies have established sunbeds as a vitamin D source:

• American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Tanning is Associated with Optimal Vitamin D Status – A study showing that sunbed users have 90 percent higher vitamin D levels as compared to the general population.
• Public Health Nutrition, Vitamin D, Sun, Sunbeds and Health – A study from the Institute for Cancer Research showing that sunbeds make vitamin D.
• Public Health, Addressing Vitamin D Deficiency in Canada: A Public Health Innovation Whose Time Has Come — A study with findings showing that sunbed users, as a group, have the highest vitamin D blood levels of any group in Canada.

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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