Vitamin D Importance!

WHY DO WE NEED VITAMIN D?

Vitamin D is a group of vitamins which are essential for absorbing calcium and building strong bones. Research has shown that a daily amount of Vitamin D is necessary to maintain your bodies.

Approximately 90% of the Vitamin D which our bodies require is formed through direct sunlight, the UVB rays in particular. When we are exposed to UVB rays, a protein called 7-DHC in our skin converts this into Vitamin D3 which, is the active form of vitamin D. We can actually get Vitamin D from food and supplements however; this percentage is extremely small.

 

PRIMARY BENEFITS OF VITAMIN D!

Vitamin D is associated with several health benefits such as:

  1. Strong Bones
  2. Healthy Immune System
  3. Cardiovascular function
  4. Skin disorders treatment
  5. Anti-cancer effects

 

HOW DO WE GET VITAMIN D FROM TANNING BEDS?

After extensive research, studies have found that UV exposure from artificial sources like sunbeds can actually be more efficient in generating Vitamin D than regular sunlight. Sunbeds mimic the sun and emit a controlled amount of UVA which is accountable for the change in skin pigmentation and UVB which is responsible for Vitamin D production.

Therefore, safe and sensible use of sunbeds and other tanning equipment can be really beneficial in boosting our Vitamin D levels. However, when people go on a sunbed they should follow the recommended exposure times based on their skin type and definitely avoid overexposure.

 

WHY DO WE NEED TO BOOST OUR VITAMIN D IN THE WINTER MONTHS?

Many incidents of Vitamin D deficiency have been reported during winter months, and especially in countries in central and northern Europe, because exposure to sunlight is extremely limited in winter and people are not getting the Vitamin D they require to stay fit and healthy. This period covers the months between October and March and it is recommended that during that period, sunbeds could be used as an alternative option.

Vitamin D deficiency symptoms consist of the below;

  1. Heart disease and high blood pressure.
  2. Diabetes. 
  3. Infections and immune system disorders.
  4. Falls in older people.
  5. Some types of cancer, such as colon, prostate and breast cancer.
  6. Multiple sclerosis 
  7. Bone pain.
  8. Muscle weakness, muscle aches, or muscle cramps.
  9. Mood changes, like depression.
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