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Normal everyday exposure to the sun or the use of tanning beds has been found to be related to the higher bone mineral density and optimal status of vitamin D in the body. Adequate exposure to limited amounts of ultraviolet radiation also produces the necessary amount of Vitamin D that the body needs to protect against heart disease, depression, cancer, strokes and osteoporosis. In spite of this information, a lot of people find it difficult to get the needed amount of sunshine necessary for optimal health, and this difficulty increases more than ever during the winter months where the hours of daylight are fewer and outdoor activities are very rare. To address this situation, many individuals have looked to tanning beds to get their dose Vitamin D. In a study conducted on Vitamin D by the Skin and Bone Research Laboratory and the Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition in the Department of Medicine in the Boston University School of Medicine, it was found that the habitual usage of tanning beds that emit ultraviolet radiation that produce Vitamin D is related to higher levels of 25(OH)D or serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and has certain benefits on the human skeleton. The study was conducted to determine whether people who used tanning beds regularly had higher 25(OH)D concentrations as compared to people who do not use tanning beds at all. Another aspect of the same study was focused on establishing whether high levels of 25(OH)D concentrations is positively correlated with the individual’s bone mineral density. The exposure of the skin to solar radiation produces Vitamin D. Vitamin D is important in achieving the most favorable skeletal health. In the study conducted by the Bone Research Laboratory and the Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition in the Department of Medicine in the Boston University School of Medicine, it was found that the subjects who were exposed to UVB rays from tanning beds had higher concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D as compared to the subjects who were not using tanning beds. The study conducted would show that yes, tanning beds can be a source of Vitamin D, however, it does not state that the use of tanning beds is a SAFE source of Vitamin D. The characteristics of the ultraviolet rays and its effects on the body come into play on the safety aspect of tanning beds. Indoor tanning is not a recommended source of vitamin D. The sun, as well as tanning beds, gives off two types of ultraviolet rays, these are the UVA and UVB rays. Both types of rays are absorbed by the skin but in very different ways. UVA rays penetrate more into the skin’s deepest layers whereas the UVB rays can only penetrate the skin’s surface layers. The two types of UV radiation are related to the health risks connected to too much exposure to the sun, a prime example of this is the development of certain types of skin cancer. On the other hand, the UVB type of radiation does aid in the production of vitamin D and is mostly accountable for the sun’s health benefits. A twenty minute exposure to this type of radiation from the sun is enough to provide the individual his needed boost of Vitamin D to eliminate any deficiencies without bringing about any continuing harm to the skin. Though UVB rays are responsible for the sun’s health benefits, this does not mean that the same holds true for tanning beds. Since too much exposure to UVB rays causes sunburns, most tanning salons are using the other type of ultraviolet radiation, which is the UVA radiation. This results to having most tanning salons adjust their tanning beds to emit more UVA rays - approximately 95% of the radiation used. This adjustment does minimize the risk of sunburn and increases the effects of the tanning beds; however, it also dramatically decreases the levels of Vitamin D that is produced from the use of the tanning bed. Remember, your safety should come first. The secret to safe exposure to ultraviolet radiation depends on control and moderation. Keep in mind that 15 or 20 minutes of staying under the sun in one day is enough for most Caucasians to maximize their levels of Vitamin D. Tanning beds might have the benefit of giving you that golden color, but it is in no way a substitute for sunshine.
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