Sunlight or UV light are the Best Ways to Fight the Epidemic of Vitamin
D Deficiency
MCLEAN, Va., Feb. 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the UV Foundation
dubbed February "Vitamin D Deficiency Month" in a nationwide effort to
raise awareness about vitamin D deficiency and its negative health effects.
In addition to increasing the risk of many types of cancer and heart
disease, vitamin D deficiency is also linked to many common wintertime
complaints such as fatigue, depression and aches and pains.
A Harvard Medical School study published in the New England Journal of
Medicine has reported that 60% of Americans are vitamin D deficient. This
is particularly troublesome since vitamin D is proven to ward off many
types of cancer including colon, prostate and breast cancer and is further
shown to guard against heart disease, MS, and other chronic health
problems.
Moderate exposure to sunlight or UV light is the absolute best way to
help the body manufacture the vitamin D it needs. Unfortunately, during the
bleak winter months it becomes harder to get the necessary amount of
vitamin D. In fact, it is impossible to get the requisite amount in cities
north of 37 degrees latitude for as many as 6 months out of the year. That
includes cities like Richmond, VA, St. Louis, MO, and Sacramento, CA, and
all cities farther north.
For those concerned about vitamin D deficiency and who find it
difficult to get the necessary amount of sunlight, there are other ways to
get your dose of the "sunshine vitamin." Vitamin D supplements, moderate
exposure to UV light from a tanning bed, and a diet rich in Vitamin D
fortified foods will all help fight against vitamin D deficiency. However,
experts agree that the easiest and best way to get the requisite amount of
vitamin D is through sunlight and UV light.
"More and more science is emerging every day confirming the enormous
health benefits of vitamin D and the significant health consequences of not
getting enough of it," said Tim Miller, Communications Director for the UV
Foundation. We launched "Vitamin D Deficiency Month" to educate the public
about the dangers of this growing problem and to 'shed some light' on
potential solutions.
The UV Foundation is committed to funding educational efforts designed
to increase the public awareness of the biologic effects of ultraviolet
light
MEDIA CONTACT: Tim Miller -- 202.262.7110
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SOURCE UV Foundation
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CONTACT:
Tim Miller for the UV Foundation,
+1-202-262-7110
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