Controversial study claims SPF lotions may have negative effects on the body
A controversial new study claims that sunscreen might actually have negative effects on our body and lead to people becoming vitamin D deficient, metro.co.uk reports.
The study, published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, stated that almost 1 billion people worlwide could suffer from insufficient levels of vitamin D due to chronic disease and insufficient sun exposure that is related to sunscreen use.
“People are spending less time outside and when they do go out they’re typically wearing sunscreen, which essentially nullifies the body’s ability to produce vitamin D,” stated Kim Pfotenhauer, assistant professor at Touro University and contributor to the study.
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“While we want people to protect themselves against skin cancer, there are healthy, moderate levels of unprotected sun exposure that can be very helpful in boosting vitamin D,” he added.
The osteopathic association stated that 5-30 minutes in the midday sun, spent twice a week, could help with maintaining healthy vitamin D levels, with Dr Pfotenhauer stating that ”it is important to forgo sunscreen during these sessions because SPF 15 or greater decreases vitamin D3 production by 99%”.
Dr Pfotenhauer concluded that sunbathing at the beach isn’t necessary for getting the benefits, as a “simple walk with arms and legs exposed is enough for most people.”
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