An article in the Medical Journal of Australia (by Dr Caryl Nowson et al from Deakin University) reports on the relevance of dietary Vitamin D.
Vitamin D is important in calcium metabolism and the prevention of osteoporosis in adults and rickets in children.
In fair skinned people, exposure of the face, hands and arms to direct sunlight for 15 minutes three times a week allows sufficient Vitamin D to be synthesised in the body. There are some dietary sources of Vitamin D but these are less important in the Australian context.
The MJA reports quite serious deficiencies of Vitamin D in 'dark skinned and veiled women' and older persons living in residential care.
There is nothing in the report to suggest that the skin cancer risk reduction campaign 'Slip, Slop, Slap' should not continue.
Even the most SunSmart amongst us get enough ultraviolet radiation for the purpose of Vitamin D synthesis.
If you have any queries about this, please contact your doctor, or the Cancer Helpline on 13 11 20.
