Oct 19, 2010 07:45 GMT  ·  By
Just a few minutes of exposing your skin to the Sun helps produce sufficient quantities of vitamin D to last you the entire day
   Just a few minutes of exposing your skin to the Sun helps produce sufficient quantities of vitamin D to last you the entire day

New scientific studies have evidenced that people who avoid sunlight in order to minimize their risk of developing skin cancer have lower levels of vitamin D as a direct result.

The fact that natural light helps the production of this essential vitamin in the skin has been known for a long time. Experts recommend at least 10 minutes of sunlight exposure per day, so that the body is able to synthesize the necessary amounts of the chemical.

Inside the organism, vitamin D plays a very important role, especially in helping to fix calcium inside bones. Without this chemical, the mineral is deposited at bad locations, such as joints and wrists.

The new investigation was conducted on a study group made of patients whose doctors had told them that they should avoid direct exposure to sunlight, and also that they should use sunscreen whenever possible.

But the research showed in the clearest manner possible that avoiding exposure to the Sun and using protective creams has a direct and negative effect on the amounts of vitamin D produced by the skin.

Lack of this essential chemical in the organism can lead to imbalances that result conditions such as bone fractures, heart disease and even forms of cancers other than skin cancer.

The recent study was carried out by a team of investigators at the Stanford University Medical Center in Redwood City, which was led by expert Jean Tang, LiveScience reports.

Researchers focused their attention on a group of people suffering from a rare condition called basal cell nevus syndrome (BCVS), which makes individuals very prone to developing skin cancer.

The link between sunlight exposure and skin cancer risks has been documented for all people, but BCVS sufferers have a higher chance of actually developing the disease.

Investigators concluded that people suffering from this condition, as well as those who want to protect their skin, need to understand that avoiding sunlight means that they have to replenish their vitamin D stocks from elsewhere,.

This can be done by other including vitamin-rich foods in your diet, or by taking supplements. Fish, for example, are an excelled source of vitamin D. Fish oil can be taken as a supplement to the same effect.

Details of the new investigation were published in this week's issue of the esteemed medical journal Archives of Dermatology.