Summer is around the corner! If you thought sunblock was the only way to reduce your chances of getting sunburn, recent research found that vitamin D3 has the ability to reduce sunburn rapidly.
Study participants were exposed to ultraviolet radiation to induce experimental sunburn on the left arm. One hour later, they received either oral placebo or 50,000 IU, 100,000 IU, or 200,000 IU vitamin D3. After 24 hours, recipients of the 100,000 IU and 200,000 IU doses had a marked, sustained reduction in skin redness compared with recipients of placebo or the 50,000 IU dose.Notably, 48 hours after sunburn, hematoxylin and eosin histology of punch biopsies showed that participants who received 200,000 IU vitamin D3 had the least structural damage to the skin, while placebo recipients had the most damage.
Studies continue to document the variety of biological effects of vitamin D. The researchers in this particular study pointed out “modulation of immune response, inflammatory disease, cardiovascular health, and carcinogenesis,”
This summer make sure you use plenty of skin protection. Don't forget the sunblock! Over exposure to the sun can lead to outrageously uncomfortable burns, but it can also lead to skin cancer. Everyone has a funny sunburn story to tell but melanoma and non melanoma skin cancers are nothing to joke about.
Check with Environmental Working Group to see which sunblocks are truly non-toxic.
UV exposure is a major risk factor in skin cancer. UVA and UVB radiation can cause DNA, protein and lipid damage. Topical sunscreens provide short and long term effects in protecting against the harmful rays of the sun.
In other studies reviewed in the Journal of Skin Cancer, Vitamin C, beta carotene and vitamin E were shown to protect hairless mice from developing tumors when exposed to UV lights. A similar benefit was seen from a mixture of vitamin C, selenium, green tea extract and other natural antioxidants.
Vitamin C has been shown to increase the rate of DNA repair, while C and E have photo protective properties when exposed to UVA light.
Although you cannot replace your topical sunscreen with these vitamins, it doesn't hurt to consume them in addition. Also, don't forget to bring your big umbrella to the beach so you can get some shade to!
Vitamin D levels are easy to check and covered by most insurances. Correcting insufficiencies and deficiencies is the best cost effective measure to prevent depression. Ask your provider to check your vitamin D3 levels at your next office visit.
