Media Releases

TORONTO : The Canadian Cancer Society’s press statement today urging Canadians to take vitamin D supplements, but to avoid indoor tanning as a source of vitamin D, is misleading. We would like to remind Canadians that moderate exposure to UVB light from a tanning bed has significant impact on optimizing vitamin D levels.

The tanning industry can play a significant role as part of a healthy solution to the vitamin D deficiency experienced by many Canadians. A 2004 study published in the American Society for Clinical Nutrition’s journal found that indoor tanners had vitamin D levels that were 90 per cent higher than non-tanners. So, with as much as 97 per cent of Canadians suffering from vitamin D deficiency at some point during the year, Canadians can viably and responsibly use tanning beds to increase their vitamin D levels, especially from October to March when UVB light outdoors is weak. The Joint Canadian Tanning Association, a national non-profit industry organization advocates the scientifically supported position that regular moderate ultra-violet exposure, in a non-burning fashion, is the smartest way to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks associated with too much or too little exposure. The indoor tanning industry believes that the cosmetic and vitamin D-related benefits to ultraviolet light in appropriate moderation outweigh the easily manageable risks associated with overexposure and sunburn. For more information contact: Doug McNabb President, Joint Canadian Tanning Association 403.640.2100 McNabb@fabutan.com