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Vitamin D

 

15 March 2012

New Vitamin D and Sun Exposure in New Zealand consensus statement released

The Ministry of Health, Cancer Society of New Zealand and ACC's position on the vitamin D and sun exposure in New Zealand consensus statement was released today. Click here to read the statement.

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There is a lot of debate about vitamin D, its role in ensuring ongoing health, and reports that many New Zealanders are deficient in this vitamin. Our bodies need a small amount of sunlight to produce vitamin D, and some fear the SunSmart message is putting New Zealanders at risk of becoming vitamin D deficient.

However, based on current evidence, sensible sun protection is unlikely to make people vitamin D deficient. At the 1st International Conference on UV and Skin Cancer Prevention one of the key messages was:

“Vitamin D and sun protection can be combined – Scientific studies have shown that vitamin D is created within minutes when the skin is exposed to UV rays. Even in the shade with sunscreen on, the skin produces vitamin D. The conclusion was that sun protection and vitamin D are not mutually exclusive and protecting against the sun does not lead to vitamin D deficiency. People should not overexpose themselves to the sun or use sunbeds in order to increase vitamin D levels.”

 

Seasonal sun protection advice

The following seasonal sun protection advice is based on a recent New Zealand policy forum on vitamin D and sun exposure:

During daylight saving months (September to April)

  • use sun protection (shade, clothing, hats, sunscreen and sunglasses), especially between 10am and 4pm
  • a 30-minute daily walk or some other form of outdoor physical activity in the early morning or late afternoon without sun protection is also recommended.

During winter months (May to August)

  • some sun exposure is important
  • a 30-minute daily walk or some other form of outdoor physical activity in the hours around noon is recommended with face, arms and hands exposed.

People should use sun protection all year round if:

  • they have a history of skin cancer, sun damage, or are taking medicines that affect photosensitivity
  • they are at high altitudes or near highly reflective surfaces, such as snow or water.

To find out more about the risks and benefits of sun exposure in New Zealand, click here and read the Cancer Society of New Zealand, Ministry of Health and ACC's position on the vitamin D and sun exposure in New Zealand consensus statement.

Some other links

http://www.health.govt.nz/
http://www.health.govt.nz/publication/consensus-statement-vitamin-d-and-sun-exposure-new-zealand
http://www.health.govt.nz/publication/vitamin-d-status-new-zealand-adults