American Academy of Dermatology Issues Position Statement on Vitamin D

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Dec. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Academy of
Dermatology (Academy) recently issued a position statement on vitamin D,
drawing on the scientific literature to support its recommendation for safely
obtaining an adequate amount of this vitamin. The Academy recommends that the
public obtain vitamin D from nutritional sources and dietary supplements, and
not from unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or
indoor tanning devices, as UV radiation is a known risk factor for the
development of skin cancer.
"Vitamin D is essential for optimal health, and the medical literature
supports safe ways to get it -- a healthy diet which incorporates foods
naturally rich in vitamin D, vitamin D-fortified foods and beverages, and
vitamin D supplements," stated dermatologist C. William Hanke, MD, MPH, FAAD,
president of the American Academy of Dermatology. "And, according to the
medical literature, unprotected exposure to UV radiation from sunlight
(natural) or indoor tanning devices (artificial) is not safe. Individuals who
intentionally expose themselves to UV radiation for vitamin D are putting
their health at risk for developing skin cancer."
The Academy further recommends that individuals who are concerned about
their vitamin D levels seek a physician's guidance about safe options to
obtain vitamin D. The Academy recommends physicians use the National Academy
of Sciences Institute of Medicine guidelines for vitamin D as a standard
reference for advising patients on proper minimum intake levels, as no
clinical trials to date have unequivocally established the amount of vitamin D
needed to decrease the risk of certain cancers or other chronic conditions.
Yet the Academy advises that a higher dose of supplementation for individuals
with known risk factors for vitamin D deficiency should be considered.
The Academy recommends that when you are enjoying yourself outdoors, be
smart by taking steps to protect yourself from UV exposure -- seek shade
whenever possible, wear sunscreen and cover up with a wide-brimmed hat, long
sleeves, pants and sunglasses. Also, avoid tanning beds.
For more information about skin cancer, please visit the SkinCancerNet
section on http://www.skincarephysicians.com, a Web site developed by
dermatologists that provides the public with up-to-date information on the
treatment and management of disorders of the skin, hair and nails.
Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology
(Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most
representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more
than 15,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the
diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and
nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research
in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of
healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at
1-888-462-DERM (3376) or http://www.aad.org.
Editor's Notes:
-- The position statement may be viewed on the Academy Web site under the
Featured Items section: http://www.aad.org.
-- The amount of vitamin D an individual needs is an active area of
research. The currently recommended adequate intake levels established by the
Institute of Medicine may be revised upward due to evolving research on the
increasing clinical benefit of vitamin D.
-- The position statement reflects the best available data at the time the
report was prepared.
SOURCE American Academy of Dermatology

Jennifer Allyn, +1-847-240-1730, jallyn@aad.org, or Allison Sit,
+1-847-240-1746, asit@aad.org, both of American Academy of Dermatology