Many nutrition experts agree that we need more of the vitamin.
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The latest nutritional supplement under the spotlight, or in this case the sunlight, Vitamin D the so called sunshine vitamin. Along with protecting the heart, bones, and preventing diabetes, growing evidence suggests "D" may play a role in warding of diseases like cancer. Many nutrition experts agree that we need more of the vitamin. But what's the best way to get it has turned into a sizzling debate over the risks and benefits of sun exposure.
Fourty two year old Cecelia Wilkerson is in good company, an American Academy of Dermatology survey finds on average 10 percent of Americans in their 40s, 50s, 60s even 70s hit the tanning bed. Sunlight, even artificial is a prime source of Vitamin D, a nutrient that helps the body absorbs calcium and one a growing body of research suggests may also help prevent disease, everything from cancer to diabetes. But up to half of the population is not getting enough, notes Duke Diet Center's Elisabetta Politi.
"Vitamin D sources are not very common," she says.
Oily fish like salmon, fortified milk and foods are among the few dietary sources. That leaves supplements and sunshine, unless of course you wear sunscreen.
"The skin lotion is preventing Vitamin D from being absorbed," says Politi.
While it's doubtful we'll ever say so long to sunscreen, the Vitamin D dilemma does have the scientific and medical communities taking a closer look at the safe sun message. Boston University's Dr. Michael Holick calls it, "Sensible sun exposure."
"Typically maybe 5 to 10 minutes of arms and legs, 2 to 3 times a week, followed by good sun protection is a good recommendation. A recommendation that has gotten heat from major skin and cancer organizations, noting the rise in skin cancer," he says.
One point all parties do agree upon, people aren't getting enough of the sunshine vitamin. So how much "D" do you need? Right now it is suggested that adults under age 50 get 200 international units (IU) of Vitamin D a day. Four hundred for folks over age 50. Now one cup of milk has 100 units of Vitamin D while ten to 15 minutes of summer sun can generate up to 20,000 units of Vvitamin D.
Many nutrition experts say the government's "adequate intake" advice is too low and argue that to reap the health benefits we need at least 800 to 1,000 units of Vitamin D daily.
-Courtesy Helen Chickering, NBC News
