Skin whitening: Strong bones need sun

Thai women have Vitamin D deficiency. Build up much-needed vitamin D for bones by being outdoors in cool areas in morning & evening.

HEALTH 

Whitening fad a health risk for women

16/09/2013 

Online reporters

The obsession of many Thai women in avoiding the sun to ensure a white complexion could lead to a vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of bone disease when they get older, according to a study by Chulalongkorn University.

Thanomwong Kritpet, a lecturer at Chulalongkorn University’s faculty of sport science, said a study of women aged 25-40 years showed that they had an average vitamin D level in their blood of only 20 nanogrammes per millilitre, which is below the minimum health standard of 30.

She attributed this low vitamin D level to the obsession of many women to have white skin. She said they avoid direct sunlight and outdoor activities, use sun block cream and wear clothing to protect them from the sun.

Many of them spend all their time indoors, further reducing the opportunity for their skin to be exposed to the sun.

She said exposure of the skin to sunlight stimulates the production of vitamin D in the body, which helps the absorption of calcium in the intestines into the blood. Vitamin D also helps slow the release of the parathyroid hormone which leaches calcium from the bone.

Ms Thanomwong said, the consequence is these women will face a higher risk of bone-related diseases such as brittle bone and osteoporosis when they get older.

She suggested women expose themselves to the sun in the morning and evening, when the rays are not so strong. They could also build up their vitamin D by exercising in shaded outdoor areas.

“It is not necessary to be in direct sunlight all the time,” Ms Thanomwong said.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/369953/obession-with-white-complexion-causing-vitamin-d-deficiency-study-concludes