A consortium of British public health groups has done an about-face, recommending that British citizens go out and get non-burning levels of mid-day sun to make sufficient vitamin D.

“Going out in the midday sun without sunscreen is good for you, health experts have said,” London’s Daily Mail reported on Thursday. “The latest advice recommends ten to 15 minutes’ exposure to help boost vitamin D levels.”

The Daily Mail story reports on a “Consensus Vitamin D Position Statement” issued by the British Association of Dermatologists, Cancer Research UK, Diabetes UK, the Multiple Sclerosis Society and several other public health groups. According to that statement, “Vitamin D is essential for good bone health and for most people sunlight is the most important source of vitamin D.”

The groups recognize “The time required to make sufficient vitamin D varies according to a number of environmental, physical and personal factors, but is typically short and less than the amount of time needed for skin to redden and burn.”

Sunburn prevention seems to be the key, although the groups do not recognize indoor tanning as a viable vitamin D option. The groups are still under the impression that indoor tanning typically leads to sunburns.

“Enjoying the sun safely, while taking care not to burn, can help to provide the benefits of vitamin D without unduly raising the risk of skin cancer,” the Position Statement said, recognizing that optimal and sufficient vitamin D levels are still subject to debate.

Why the change?

“The change of opinion comes amid concern that people may not be getting optimal levels of vitamin D — around 90 per cent of the body’s supply comes from the action of sunlight on the skin,” The Daily Mail reported. “The new message from Cancer Research UK is ‘Never be red at the end of the day.’”

While the group still hasn’t seen the light about professional indoor tanning, the ‘never be read at the end of the day’ is the same message the professional sunbed community teaches.

To read the Daily Mail story click here.