By Jeff Nicklas, Vitamin D Council

In a study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine, researchers found that avoiding sun exposure may increase the risk for all-cause mortality in women.

In past articles, we’ve covered the positive and negative aspects of sun exposure. Safe, moderate sun exposure is the natural and best way to meet your body’s requirements for vitamin D. On the other hand, intense, infrequent sun exposure may increase your risk for malignant melanoma, the most severe form of skin cancer.

In recent decades, studies showing increased risk of skin cancer due to intense sun exposure have received more public attention than studies showing the benefits of vitamin D and safe, moderate sun exposure. This has developed into what some call Sun Scare, leading to sun avoidance by the public.

There has been little research looking at the effects that sun avoidance have on human health. We know that adequate vitamin D levels can help improve areas such as bone health, the immune system and the heart, but how might complete avoidance of the sun affect our health?

Click here to read the entire article in the latest issue of Smart Tan Magazine online.

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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