Letter: Our bodies need vitamin D for good health

To the Editor:

I was quoted in an article about tanning, and I wanted the opportunity to comment a little further (R-E, May 2).

I believe the American Academy of Dermatology has been unchallenged for years in beliefs about tanning. They have brainwashed the public at every level with their claims that tanning is bad for you.

However, Brian Williams from the NBC Nightly News says, "Many doctors and health care professionals are now rethinking their advice about sun exposure, encouraging moderation instead of abstinence."

The reason for this is the importance of vitamin D. If you haven't heard, vitamin D is important for preventing and even treating many types of cancer. In fact, I challenge anyone to find a nutrient that has as many anti-cancer benefits as vitamin D.

Unfortunately, it's hard to get enough vitamin D from the sun in Minnesota. In fact next time you have blood drawn, ask them to check your vitamin D level, then you will know for sure. If it's low, tanning can help.

Even if you believe too much sun leads to skin cancer (which is rarely deadly), too little sun may be much worse.

Kari Bennis

Farmington

Kai Bennis operates Get Tan in Red Wing.

Tags: opinion, letters