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Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners
How can i safely increase my vitamin D levels?
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My doctor says I need to increase the amount of Vitamin D I am getting. I am worried about skin cancer as i have a strong family history. What are my options? -
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Priya Iyer
Dietitian
With over 16+ years experience in the field of nutrition & dietetics, Priya specialises in rehabilitation (covering neurology, burns, aged care & disability) and has … View Profile
Getting the balance right is crucial in preventing skin cancer. Osteoporosis Australia & Cancer council of Australia recommend only a few minutes of sun exposure - ~6-8 minutes to 15% of your body (face/neck/arms & feet), ~4-6 times a week before 10 am & after 2 pm in summer. This will help make 1000IU of vitamin D whilst giving 1/3rd of MED (minimal erythemal dose) – time & amount that only causes mild redness of the skin & no sun burn. People with dark skin require longer exposure time (~15mins).
UVB exposure helps your skin make the Vitamin D much needed to transport calcium to where it is needed. UV index >3 warrants sun protection to prevent skin damage.
To ensure protected & safe sun exposure, check the UV index in your area in the weather bureau or downloading the UV alert Widget from http://www.cancer.org.au/preventing-cancer/sun-protection/uv-alert/uv-alert-widget.html or the free sunsmart app for iphone & androids.
Useful reference:
http://www.osteoporosis.org.au/about/about-osteoporosis/preventing-osteoporosis-vitamin-d/
It is wise to discuss with your doctor re vitamin D supplementation as an option in lieu of sun exposure given the increased risk of skin cancer. Also check out this position statement in the link below for useful information.
http://www.cancer.org.au/content/pdf/CancerControlPolicy/PositionStatements/PSRisksBenefitsSunExposure03May07.pdf
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