Basic Pursuits

According to ITV news, Australian researchers have found that Vitamin B3 protects against the immuno-suppressive effects of sunlight. They say that the vitamin "energizes" cells so that they maintain their immunity. Cells with strong immunity are much less susceptible to skin cancer.

Vitamin B3, known as niacin in the U.S., promotes immunity from damage done by both UVA and UVB light, something that conventional sunscreens may not do.

Lotion or supplement

Virtues of a Tanning Bed
Hate the sun, but love the tanning bed? You may be doing yourself some good. A recent study demonstrated that tanning bed tanners had a higher concentration of vitamin D in their systems and significantly higher bone density than non-tanners.

A couple of dermatologists objected to the study, suggesting that "...oral vitamin supplements are a safer, much less expensive, and more convenient method for improving vitamin D status."

Ditch the Itch

If you are up for some reading, check out this summary of the Vitamin D Symposium in San Diego last month. If you are really interested, there is a link in the first paragraph to the slides that the speakers used in their presentations.

The April 9th vitamin D symposium