As we move in to the height of summer its important to remember all the facts about healthy sun exposure. The Cancer Council has a policy of minimal exposure to the sun for Infants 0 – 12 months. This is because it is recognised that infants skin is more susceptible to a risk of the initial mutational step in the development of melanoma. Toddlers & young children need to be protected from the midday sun as evidence now suggests that childhood sun exposure contributes significantly to your lifetime risk of skin cancer. 

However, it is also important to remember that Infants & young children also need adequate levels of Vit D. In my clinic on the Gold Coast I am amazed that I frequently find children & adults with low levels of Vit D. 

Did you know that Vitamin D is not a vitamin, but is actually a hormone? It is important in maintaining the strength of our bones but it is also essential for many other fundamental functions within your body. 

Vitamin D plays a critical role in a healthy Immune System and even in protecting our DNA. It supports the function of the Thyroid gland, and that organ controls our basic energy levels. Within our digestive system it is critical in maintaining the integrity of the mucous membrane. Without adequate Vit D our intestine leaks foreign proteins into our system and this can cause systemic inflammation, a variety of auto-immune diseases and can exacerbate a wide range of Mental Health problems. Maintaining adequate Vit D levels throughout your life reduces your risk of all causes of morbidity. That sounds rather important don’t you think? 

So the question really is –                                                                                  

“How do we get enough Vit D for our general health benefits and not cause skin cancer in later life?”  This balance is something parents need to understand themselves and then teach their children, so we all develop a lifetime of healthy habits. 

The secret is to get 10 – 15 mins of sun exposure early or late in the day twice weekly to the face, arms, hands, or back without sunscreen. Darker skinned individuals require longer exposure than fairer skinned individuals. We only have to stay out of the sun, from 10am – 3pm in summer. Winter is a whole other story, which we will discuss at a later date. 

Who is at risk of Deficiency?

• naturally dark skinned people – who need more UV exposure to produce adequate levels of vitamin D as the pigment in their skin reduces UV penetration
• babies and infants of vitamin D deficient mothers, and especially breastfed babies
• people who cover their skin for religious or cultural reasons 
• people who are housebound

Important Facts

Breast feeding mothers of Infants under the age of 12 months,  who are not exposing their baby to any sun at all need to maintain adequate Vit D levels themselves or they should supplement. This is especially important as the infant moves through the immunisation program due to the important role Vit D plays in the Immune system

Formula fed babies will receive adequate doses. Given the health risks associated with the use of solariums, it is not recommended that they be used to boost vitamin D levels.

Dietary Sources

Foods that contain vitamin D include salmon, canned tuna, Oily fish, egg yolks, beef or calf liver, cheese, irradiated mushrooms and fortified sources such as milk, yogurt, and cereal. However, it is very difficult to get enough Vit D from diet alone, so if you are not outside seeking those free rays you need to supplement - 

Daily Requirements

Adequate daily Intake is currently defined as 

400 IU/day for infant to 50yrs

In deficient adults esp if  post partum               1 – 2,000 IU/day 

Supplements

NB Supplements provided by a health practitioner will always be of a better quality than over the counter products, however the following products are well known in Australia

Blackmores  1,000 IU capsules

Blooms  1,000 IU capsules

OsteVit-D  1,000 IU tablets

Ostelin 1,000 IU capsules

Penta-vite syrup 400 IU/0.45 ml  

Cod liver oil capsules are not suitable for Vitamin D replacement. The amount of capsules required to provide adequate daily vitamin D would exceed the RDI for Vitamin A and may lead to toxicity. 

For further information go to – http://www.cancer.org.au/policy/positionstatements/sunsmart/risksandbenefitsofsunexposure