Sun Protection & Vitamin D Controversy Dr Jackie Dyche

Photoprotection  Sunlight main factor for BCC & SCC  Association of MM & burning in childhood  Strict protection from UVR recommended  BUT 90% of Vit D has to be formed in the skin through the action of the sun  Sunlight main factor for BCC & SCC  Association of MM & burning in childhood  Strict protection from UVR recommended  BUT 90% of Vit D has to be formed in the skin through the action of the sun

UV Light & Melanoma  Body site distribution  Sunnier European countries have lower mortality  Diagnostic drift responsible for reported increase in cases  Body site distribution  Sunnier European countries have lower mortality  Diagnostic drift responsible for reported increase in cases

Vitamin D deficiency  Cancer: breast, colon, prostate, ovary, lymphoma  Cardiovascular: MI, High BP  Autoimmune: MS, Type 1 DM  Infection: TB  Allergy: Asthma  Rheumatic disease: Rh A  Bone Health  All cause mortality  Cancer: breast, colon, prostate, ovary, lymphoma  Cardiovascular: MI, High BP  Autoimmune: MS, Type 1 DM  Infection: TB  Allergy: Asthma  Rheumatic disease: Rh A  Bone Health  All cause mortality

Vitamin D deficiency  Definition 20-30ng/ml  Widespread  At risk groups: elderly, obese, photosensitive, dark skin,  Definition 20-30ng/ml  Widespread  At risk groups: elderly, obese, photosensitive, dark skin,

Vitamin D & the Skin  Maximal production with UVB  Active metabolite Calcitriol - role in cell growth & cancer prevention  Protective effect of less intense solar radiation can outweigh its mutagenic effect  Maximal production with UVB  Active metabolite Calcitriol - role in cell growth & cancer prevention  Protective effect of less intense solar radiation can outweigh its mutagenic effect

Conclusions  Moderation of photoprotective advice?  Vitamin D supplementation in at-risk groups  Moderation of photoprotective advice?  Vitamin D supplementation in at-risk groups

` `