Suntan can block vitamin D synthesis

05-Apr-2016

Suntan can block harmful UV rays but significantly blocks vitamin D synthesis in the skin, according to a Brazilian study. In certain individuals, plasma vitamin D may be lower even after very high rates of sun rays exposure.
 
This is common in people living in tropical regions where higher rates of sun exposure and UV irradiation are possible, while vitamin D deficiency is common. It may be due to suntan or skin tanning that cause as a result of higher exposure to sun rays. The skin tan can prevent and protect the skin from UV irradiation but also blocks vitamin D biosynthesis in the skin.
 
The study enrolled 986 Brazilian volunteers who were between 13 and 82 years of age. All subjects had high rates of daily sun exposure without regular sunscreen and vitamin D supplements use.
 
In most of the subjects, plasma vitamin D levels were found to be below the normal range, while higher rate of skin tanning was observed. drugsupdate.com