Are Kids Getting Enough Vitamin D?

USA (SANEPR.com) June 24, 2008 -- One of the ways children get their Vitamin D requirement is simply by being outdoors. Solar UV exposure produces Vitamin D in the body, an important vitamin that may help to prevent colon, breast and other cancers. But, now, there is controversy among physicians and scientists as to whether children who wear sunscreen are absorbing enough Vitamin D.

With malignant melanoma (the deadly form of skin cancer) being the number one cancer diagnosed in young white females in the U.S. and the fourth most common cancer among teens, dermatologists recommend that children take protective measures and use sunblock or sunscreen prior to UV exposure.

But, does the use of sunscreen block UV exposure and thwart Vitamin D production?

Drs. Richard Eisen and Ramzi Saad, dermatologists at South Shore Skin Center, a leading dermatology office treating a vast clientele south of Boston, weigh in on this controversy.

According to Dr. Eisen, “All unprotected sun exposure contributes to cumulative skin damage and increases the risk of skin cancer. The amount of UV exposure needed to produce Vitamin D in the body is minimal - about 5 to 10 minutes of exposure. After 10 minutes of exposure, the body has had enough and stops its production of Vitamin D. Sunscreen doesn’t entirely prevent UV exposure, but it does minimize it. So, essentially, the UV is still getting through, but at a much less dangerous level.”

UVA and UVB rays from the sun or from tanning booths cause premature wrinkles, DNA damage and skin cancer with repeated and prolonged exposure. In natural sunlight, these rays are present even on cloudy days and exposed skin is left vulnerable without sunblock or sunscreen.

South Shore Skin Center’s recommendations are to continue using sunblock or sunscreen to aid in the prevention of skin cancer.

“For parents who are concerned about whether or not their child is getting enough Vitamin D, there are other effective alternatives to getting enough Vitamin D without the unprotected UV exposure. Boosting consumption of Vitamin D fortified foods or taking a vitamin supplement are both easy ways to meet daily Vitamin D requirements,” explained Dr. Saad.

For more information, contact South Shore Skin Center’s Cohasset (781) 383-3340 or Plymouth office (508) 747-0711.

South Shore Skin Center
Founded in 1984, South Shore Skin Center is one of Massachusetts’ most progressive dermatology practices offering a wide range of medical, surgical and cosmetic services.

South Shore Skin Center is the only provider in the area offering the advanced technology of Fraxel re:pair laser treatments in addition to Fraxel re:store laser treatments. Dr. Richard Eisen, a board certified dermatologist at South Shore Skin Center is a leading expert in lasers, in particular, the Fraxel re:pair and Fraxel re:store laser systems. Other cosmetic services include Gentle YAG, innovative Laser, IPL (Intensive Pulse Light), Thermage and treatments for age spots, acne scarring, birth marks, tattoos and more.

South Shore Skin Center also offers a full range of affordable anti-aging services including Botox, wrinkle fillers, Microdermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels.

South Shore Skin Center offices are located at 223 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, Suite 202 in Cohasset, Mass. (781) 383-3340, and 45 Resnik Road, Suite 102 in Plymouth, Mass., (508) 747-0711. For more information, visit their website at www.southshoreskincenter.com.