Based on recent scientific studies, currently recommended vita-
min D levels are inadequate, even with the recent increase in recom-
mendations. The average daily need for vitamin D is about 4,000 IUs,
but the current recommendation is still only in the 400 IU range from
birth to age 50. Recent studies show that more than half the popula-
tion has inadequate levels of vitamin D — and some of these studies
were done in the sunny states of Florida and Arizona!
In addition to calcium regulation and prevention of cancer, vita-
min D specifically helps reduce pain caused by various types of mus-
cle and bone problems. The sun also plays an important role in immu-
nity, especially in children. And, the sun is good for the brain — get-
ting natural sunlight helps the brain work better. No, not staring into
the sun, but allowing the eyes to be exposed to natural outdoor light
(contact lenses, eyeglasses, sunglasses and windows block the helpful
sun rays).
Children and the Sun
Coralee Thompson, M.D., says “many children, especially those with
brain problems, are deprived of vitamin D and some are outright defi-
cient, which severely affects brain function.” Disabled children, for
example, also have a very high incidence of osteoporosis due to calci-
um wasting secondary to low vitamin D levels. (The same scenario
can occur in anyone at any age.) Acommon problem that’s not often
discussed is the fact that bone loss later in life is significantly related
to a lack of sun exposure and vitamin D levels during childhood.
And, most of the damage that causes skin cancer in adults occurs dur-
ing childhood.
“Kids need to be in the sun without sunscreen for short periods
of time based on individual needs,” says Dr. Thompson. “This may be
15 minutes building to 30 minutes a day for the average skin type, but
never allow a child to get sunburned.” Most clothing allows some sun
to get through for vitamin D production. Dr. Thompson cautions that,
“dietary supplements of vitamin D are not as effective because the
oral dose is usually too low, and higher levels of vitamin D are poten-
tially toxic.” Interestingly, high amounts of vitamin D obtained from
the sun are not toxic.
154 • IN FITNESS AND IN HEALTH