Friday, January 21, 2011

Can Using Tanning Beds Cause Elevated Vitamin D







Vitamin D can help protect against heart disease, stroke and even cancer.


While artificial tanning beds, and tanning in general, have long been the subject of warnings from the medical world, new research is indicating some benefits that many doctors are reluctant to admit. Most recently, researchers are pointing out that tanning beds can elevate levels of vitamin D in people who use them frequently but safely.


Tanning and Vitamin D


Non-excessive exposure to sunlight or tanning beds has been shown to increase the body's natural amount of Vitamin D, according to a study conducted by the Boston University School of Medicine, as reported by alltanningbeds.com. Studies on this "sunshine vitamin" have found significantly higher amounts in those who use habitually use tanning beds compared to those who don't. This is a positive effect for those who enjoy tanning, but the jury is still out on whether the risks outweigh the benefits, as sun damage is a leading cause of skin cancer.


Positive Effects


Vitamin D has a major role in bone health and has been prescribed for patients with osteoporosis and other bone deficiencies. It also has been linked to fighting off depression, cancer and certain types of heart disease, as reported by alltanningbeds.com. Doctor's have long encouraged patients to "get out" more, as the benefits of natural sunlight have been known for some time. Only recently have tanning beds been shown to have the same effects.








A Year-Round Solution


Vitamin D deficiency is a major problem during the winter and in regions that do not have adequate year-round sunlight. Tanning beds and other forms of light therapy may be solutions to this problem, though the safety of frequent use of tanning beds still is in debate.

Tags: tanning beds, beds been, beds been shown, been shown, have long, heart disease, reported alltanningbeds