Everybody should know that the human body naturally produces vitamin D during exposure to sunlight. But even the sun can become an enemy sometimes, although it sustains all life on Earth.
Exposure to sunlight for gaining an optimal level of vitamin D synthesis could need to be revised, as SciTechDaily.com reveals. The conclusion comes after a study of researchers from King’s College London and the support received from NIHR Guy’s and St Thomas’ Biomedical Research Centre.
75 young volunteers examined
Scientists analyzed blood vitamin D levels in 75 young and healthy volunteers. Their bodies were exposed to five different artificial UVR sources that have shown different amounts of UVB radiation. The researchers wanted to weigh the trade-off between the solar exposure’s benefits and the risks of developing skin cancer and sunburn.
Professor Antony Young declared, as quoted by SciTechDaily.com:
Our study shows that risk versus benefit calculations from solar exposure may need to be re-evaluated. The results from the study are timely because the global technical committee, Commission internationale de l’éclairage, that sets UVR standards will be able to discuss the findings of this paper to re-evaluate the wavelength dependency of vitamin D. Further research from our group will determine the risk/benefit calculations.
According to NHS.uk, vitamin D helps in regulating the amount of phosphate and calcium in the human body. In order to have healthy bones, teeth, and muscles, those nutrients are needed.
Severe lack of vitamin D can cause rickets, which will occur in children as incorrect growth patterns, pain in bones, muscle weakness, and also deformities in joints. Therefore, having enough intake of vitamin D is pretty crucial for our bodies.
The new study was published in PNAS.