Another research study now shows that high levels of ‘The Sunshine Vitamin’ improve survival for those with melanoma skin cancer — adding to the data that suggest melanoma’s correlation with sunshine isn’t as straightforward as those in the dermatology community try to convey.

“Two studies published yesterday showed that vitamin D produced by the action of the sun on the skin may help improve survival for patients with skin and bowel cancer,” the London Independent reported Monday. “The bizarre finding suggests that health warnings to avoid the sun have been too simplistic. Some exposure to the sun is necessary for health — it is excessive exposure leading to burning of the skin that does the damage.”

According to the Independent, “A research team from the University of Leeds working with the US National Institutes of Health found a high level of vitamin D — suggestive of high sun exposure — protected patients with malignant melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Those with the lowest levels of the vitamin D in their blood at the time of diagnosis were 30 per cent more likely to suffer a recurrence of the disease after treatment than those who had the highest levels.”

Natural vitamin D levels — consistent with outdoor living — are now connected with lower risk of more than two dozen forms of cancer, as well as heart disease, multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases as well as flu and possibly the H1N1 virus.

“Patients with the highest levels of the vitamin also had the thinnest tumours at diagnosis,” the Independent reported. “Results of the study, funded by Cancer Research UK and the NIH, are published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.”

The research team’s suggestion — that people strive to avoid sunburn and not to overdo a good thing — matches the indoor tanning community’s recommendations. Indoor tanning clients are less likely to sunburn outdoors as compared to non-tanners.

To read The Independent story click here.