Tag: Tanning beds

Over 40% of American adults are estimated to have a vitamin D deficiency, leading many to question if artificial lights could be a solution. This curiosity often leads to the core question: do you get vitamin D from lights?

An estimated 41.6% of adults in the United States have a vitamin D deficiency, leading many to wonder, "Can I get vitamin D from lights?". The answer is complex, as while certain specialized light sources can trigger production, standard indoor lights offer no such benefit, and all artificial options come with important safety considerations.

The vast majority of vitamin D production in the human body is stimulated by sunlight, but not all ultraviolet (UV) light is created equal when it comes to this essential nutrient. While the sun's rays can trigger vitamin D synthesis, relying on artificial UV sources is often ineffective and can be dangerous, depending on the specific light spectrum used.

Contrary to a persistent myth, most modern cosmetic tanning beds are designed to emit a high proportion of harmful UVA rays, not the UVB required for vitamin D synthesis. So, **do UVB tanning beds give vitamin D**, and should they be considered a reliable source for this essential nutrient?

According to the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer, UV-emitting tanning devices are classified as group-1 carcinogens, putting them in the same category as plutonium and cigarettes. Despite this, many believe indoor tanning is a safe way to boost vitamin D levels. We investigate whether tanning beds provide vitamin D and reveal the truth behind this dangerous myth.