From the Guidelines
Tanning beds are not a recommended method for increasing vitamin D levels due to the significant risks of skin cancer, premature aging, and eye damage associated with their use. While it is true that exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, such as that found in tanning beds, can trigger vitamin D production in the skin 1, the risks far outweigh any potential benefits. According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, sun exposure to prevent vitamin D deficiency is not generally recommended because it increases the risk for skin cancer associated with UVB radiation 1.
Instead, safer approaches to maintaining healthy vitamin D levels include:
- Brief, regular sun exposure (5-30 minutes a few times per week, depending on skin type and location)
- Taking vitamin D supplements (typically 600-2000 IU daily for adults) 1
- Consuming vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish, fortified milk, and egg yolks
It's essential to note that the body naturally produces vitamin D when UVB rays interact with a cholesterol compound in the skin, converting it to a pre-vitamin D form that is then processed by the liver and kidneys into the active form the body can use. If concerned about vitamin D levels, consulting with a healthcare provider who can test levels and recommend appropriate supplementation is the best course of action. The Institute of Medicine recommends daily dietary vitamin D intake of 600 IU in adults aged 18 to 70 years and 800 IU in adults older than 70 years to meet the needs of 97.5% of the adult population 1.
From the Research
Tanning Beds and Vitamin D Levels
- Tanning beds primarily emit ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation, which is relatively ineffective in stimulating vitamin D synthesis 2, 3.
- The health benefits of vitamin D can be fully dissociated from the ultraviolet exposure risks with vitamin D supplementation 2.
- There is little evidence to support the claim that tanning beds increase vitamin D production 3.
- UV exposure from natural sunlight is the primary method of boosting serum vitamin D levels, which accounts for numerous health benefits 4, 5, 6.
Factors Affecting Vitamin D Production
- Latitude, season, skin color, and sun protection determine UV absorption and vitamin D production 4, 5, 6.
- Skin pigment, sunscreen use, aging, time of day, season, and latitude dramatically affect previtamin D3 synthesis 5, 6.
- Vitamin D deficiency can increase chronic diseases and cancer, while adequate vitamin D levels can help prevent them 4, 5, 6.
Risks and Benefits of UV Exposure
- Indoor tanning represents an avoidable risk factor for skin cancer 2, 3.
- Public health sun protection guidelines decrease the incidence of skin cancer, but sun avoidance can cause hypovitaminosis D 4.
- Sun protection strategies should still be implemented to reduce skin cancer, and sunscreen only minimally lowers vitamin D production 4.