Australian doctors have found that regular use of high SPF 50+ sunscreens may lead to decreased blood vitamin D levels. The results were published in the British Journal of Dermatology.
The study involved 639 people aged 40 to 64 who had not previously used sunscreens or taken vitamin D supplements. The volunteers were divided into two groups: one group systematically applied SPF 50+ on days with a high UV index, while the other used products at their own discretion.
After a year of blood testing, the scientists found that 46% of participants in the first group were vitamin D deficient, compared to only 37% in the control group. The researchers noted that regular use of high SPF sunscreens reduces the concentration of 25(OH)D, a vitamin essential for health, but do not recommend limiting sunscreen use.
According to the study authors, sunscreens remain a key element in skin cancer prevention, but people who regularly use high SPF sunscreens may require vitamin D supplements to maintain normal levels.
