I’ve heard a lot of talk recently about women not getting
enough vitamin D and that this is potentially linked to a reliance
on SPF products. Is this true? If so, how can I supplement the
vitamin while still protecting my skin from harmful UV
rays?
Studies support wearing sunscreen. A true vitamin D deficiency in
an active, healthy woman below the age of 75 is unlikely. Despite
the hype and misinformation over the years, I do believe you should
pay attention to your vitamin D intake. Eat foods rich in vitamin D
such as fortified pasta, breads, and orange juice, and those
naturally rich in it, such as oily fish like salmon, and nuts.
Also, feel free to take a multivitamin that is formulated within
reasonable daily intake levels and includes other vitamins and
minerals that can enhance absorption, like calcium. Vitamin
toxicity incidences have increased since this alleged vitamin D
deficiency epidemic has picked up steam. I’ve had patients who have
tried megadoses for a few months only to feel worse and switch to a
more natural approach: diet and exercise outdoors. You can wear
your UV protection and walk to work and be confident you absorbed
enough light energy to produce active vitamin D. If you are at all
concerned, though, have your vitamin D levels checked at your next
doctor’s appointment. Recently, variations between different tests
led to different results, and many women were falsely diagnosed
with vitamin D deficiency. Be sure your tests are done at a
well-respected lab and that your doctor trusts their results.
Remember, vitamin D and calcium are required for strong bones. But
there is absolutely no sense in sacrificing your skin when you have
so many safer options. Dermatologists have investigated this issue
and recommend women continue using sun protection.
Ellen
Marmur, M.D., is the Chief of Dermatologic and Cosmetic Surgery
at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. A skin cancer
survivor herself, Marmur specializes in skin cancer surgery,
cosmetic surgery, and women’s health dermatology. She recently
published Simple Skin Beauty, a book that focuses on how to
maintain the health and beauty of your skin at every stage of
life.
Photo: LEONARD MCCOMBE/Getty Images
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