Is it true that wearing sunscreen causes vitamin D deficiency? Let's find out

When it comes to preventing skin damage, sunscreen is considered essential. However, a new study reveals that sunscreen may have a big disadvantage: it may cause vitamin D insufficiency.

A fascinating issue, and one that is causing a lot of anxiety these days as we understand more and more about the role of vitamin D levels in the development of many diseases, the most concerning one is cancer. 

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While sunscreen can help to lessen the negative effects of the sun, there are worries that it may interfere with the body's ability to produce vitamin D. 

According to the study, roughly 1 million cases of vitamin D deficiency are caused by sunscreen use and chronic disorders such as diabetes, celiac disease, and other ailments that impact the body's capacity to absorb nutrients.

Vitamin D is vital for bone health because it aids calcium absorption in the stomach. The vitamin also helps to maintain muscle and nerve function, as well as the immune system's ability to fight illness.

Vitamin D deficiency, defined as a serum 25(OH)D concentration of less than 20 nanograms per milliliter, can cause bone density loss, increasing the risk of bone fractures and osteoporosis.

Adults should strive to acquire between 600 and 800 International Units of vitamin D per day, according to the Food and Nutrition Board's recommendations.

However, the dangers of sun exposure, such as sunburn and skin cancer, cannot be overlooked, and sunscreen is widely regarded as one of the greatest ways to avoid such injuries.

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However, in a new study, experts recommended that people avoid using sunscreen while they are exposed to the sun for up to 30 minutes twice a week in order to increase and maintain adequate vitamin D levels.

The researchers also advised spending 5 to 30 minutes in the midday sun twice a week, without sunscreen, to enhance and maintain adequate vitamin D levels.

Vitamin D supplementation is also a smart strategy to enhance vitamin D levels because it avoids the hazards associated with sun exposure, according to the study. 

However, the experts advise that you get medical advice first before taking vitamin D pills.