Sunscreen causes vitamin D deficiency: Study

Doctors at Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS ) in India have revealed that usage of sunscreen, which helps to protect from skin from harmful sun rays, blocks the absorption of natural vitamin D, a requirement for strong bones.

According to the doctors, vitamin D is produced by the human body when a person is exposed in the Sun, reported newspaper Times of India.

But people, specially young girls, are worried about skin tan, hence, they apply sunscreen lotion on their body to prevent themselves from sun burn, which robs them off vitamin D, a main source of nutrient.

SGPGIMS department of endocrinology faculty Prof Sushil Gupta said the body stops producing vitamin D after a person applies a sunscreen lotion with Sun Protection Factor (SPF) more than eight units.

Vitamin D deficiency can be the cause of thin and brittle bones, pain in muscles and bone, muscle weakness and makes people susceptible to weariness, which in turn could increase risk of osteoporosis.

Doctors said that the deficiency of vitamin D may be linked to both maternal and infant health, while its deficiency can also cause cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and congestive heart failure.

According to the newspaper, more than 70% of India’s population is suffering from Vitamin D deficiency.

It is felt that vitamin D is essential for good health, while its supplementation is needed in pregnant mothers, as it is related with increased skeleton growth and bone mass in babies in the womb.

Vitamin D influences cell growth, neuro-muscular and immune function in the body, besides some studies revealed that it plays an important role in cancer prevention such as breast, prostate, and colon tumours.