Media Releases

Your vitamin D fix (May 2) Globe & Mail Dermatologist Cheryl Rosen shows exactly how misguided the dermatology industry is about the benefits of vitamin D. The Globe and Mail has reported that US researchers will announce in June the first direct link between cancer prevention and vitamin D based on a four-year clinical trial involving 1,200 women that found those taking vitamin D had about a 60% reduction in cancer incidence. Humans produce 90% of their vitamin D naturally when skin is exposed to sunlight or through specially designed electronic lighting and this most recent news verifies the health benefits of exposure to UVB light. A 2004 study published in the American Society for Clinical Nutrition’s journal found that indoor tanners had vitamin D levels that were 90% higher than non-tanners.

Canadians are among the people most at risk of not having enough vitamin D as a result of geography, modern lifestyles and unfortunately the country’s health authorities, who have unwittingly played a role in creating vitamin D deficiency. The tanning industry can play a significant role as part of a healthy solution to the vitamin D deficiency experienced by many Canadians. In fact more than 90% of tanning beds in Canada produce UVB levels that can optimize vitamin D production. The message that all UV light is bad for you is not news any longer and now appears to have been inaccurate. The tanning industry’s customer base is 75-80% female and according to the Canadian Cancer Society skin cancer mortality rates for females have not changed since 1985. As it affects Canadians this issue has been blown completely out of proportion. The Joint Canadian Tanning Association and its members believe moderate UV exposure in a non-burning fashion is the smartest way to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks associated with either too much or too little UV exposure. Steve Gilroy Executive Director The Joint Canadian Tanning Association