Recent Emory study says black children have a large vitamin D deficiancy

Low Vitamin D levels in adolescents diets have been linked to hypertension, hyperglycemia and metabolic syndrome that can lead to type 2 diabetes. Medicinenet writes about Emory University's assistant professor of pediatrics Dr. Conrad R. Cole's study stating that 26% of African American children have seriously low levels of vitamin D. This is because of the increased pigmentation in African Americans skin.

Well seeing that African Americans can't change their skin color this poses a unique challenge, because in the skin care arena, we are taught to strongly limit your sun exposure. Too much exposure to the sun can lead to skin cancers, complexion issues among other issues. Lets focus on our need for vitamin D for a bit . The sun is the major source of of vitamin D. According to the Vitamin D Council our bodies process UVB rays from the sun through a process called cholecalciferol. Cholecalciferol is produced in our skin when the sun hits our bare skin.

Vitamin D is turned into calcium which is used in our bodies for many important needs. Ok now lets focus on recommendation of use of sunscreens to prevent skin caners and other issues. The Canadian Center for Occupational Health & Safety states that The UVB rays from the sun that are mostly responsible for our bodies synthesis of vitamin D, causes skin cancer, aging of the skin and wrinkling.

Now the question is, Do I use sunscreen to fight off potential skin cancer, aging & wrinkling or Do I allow the sun's rays to penetrate into my skin, thereby producing much needed vitamin D. This is the constant struggle. I say be conscious of both. You only need 10 minutes of direct sun exposure to produce enough vitamin D. In the summer months you can take a short walk on your lunch break for approxiamly 10 to 15 mins. If your wearing sun screen on your face that's fine. You could make sure your arms are exposed to the sun for the 10 to 15 mins. It doesn't matter what part of your body is exposed to the sun.

It might matter if you show off too much skin on your walk... but that's a different topic for a different blog '-)

If you adapt this practice you can get your required daily dose of vitamin D while fighting off old age. If you have no time for walks then you can take vitamin D pills or drink milk or orange juice fortified with vitamin D. As a Jamaican American I use sunscreen to manage my skin complexion and health and I promote it's use to my clients. My opinion on African American adolescents low vitamin D levels is that it is probably due to their diet coupled with their natural sunscreen. I believe that too much sun exposure by any race can become problematic.

Until next time.. Love the skin you're in

Skin Chick '-)