[Solaria, vitamin D, and skin cancer].
BACKGROUND
Some researchers have suggested to use an indoor tanning device (solarium) as a vitamin D source for disease prevention.


METHODS
The article is based on non-systematic searches in PubMed and ISI, and the authors' experience from epidemiologic research and studies of solarium irradiance.


RESULTS
Vitamin D deficiency is an established risk factor for rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults; and is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Several studies have found a beneficial role of vitamin D on both incidence and prognosis for other diseases, e.g. cancer, but causal relationships with vitamin D cannot yet be concluded. Sun exposure, our main source of vitamin D, is also an established risk factor of skin cancer. Moderate sun exposure generally provides an adequate amount of vitamin D during summer. Dietary intake of vitamin D is adamant when sun exposure is low. Solarium use seems to increase. Mean irradiance from solariums is higher than that from the summer sun in Oslo; 1.5 times higher for UVB and 3.5 times for UVA . Use of solarium increases the risk of skin cancer and was classified as carcinogenic to humans in 2009; positive health effects are not sufficiently documented.


CONCLUSIONS
Recommendations on restricted solarium use should be maintained.
Veierød
Marit B
MB
Avdeling for biostatistikk, Institutt for medisinske basalfag, Universitetet i Oslo, Postboks 1122 Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway. m.b.veierod@medisin.uio.no
Nilsen
Lill Tove N
LT
Robsahm
Trude Eid
TE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000209:etiology*; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000209:etiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology*; D055108:Sunbathing; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D055815:Young Adult
D014807:Vitamin D