Leading international and national experts will gather at The Kids Research Institute Australia on Friday for a D-Light Research Symposium to discuss the latest sun exposure and vitamin D research including findings from a recent European study.
Professor Antony Young from King's College London will discuss the study he led which showed it was possible for an individual to produce healthy levels of vitamin D despite proper use of sunscreen that prevents sunburn.
His study involved taking tourists to the Spanish island of Tenerife for a sunny holiday. One group was given measured quantities of sunscreen to apply daily and the other group brought their own sunscreen to apply without any guidance. The study found while vitamin D levels in the first group (which did not sunburn) were reduced compared to the control group (which did sunburn), good levels were still produced.
Antony, who is an expert in how sun protection measures such as sunscreens and protective clothing affect vitamin D and DNA damage said the study also found a broad-spectrum sunscreen was the best choice for enabling vitamin D production.
"Based on the findings of this research I would strongly encourage West Australians to use sunscreens to reduce the risk of skin cancers and not be too worried about the effects on vitamin D."
D-Light is a large and unique group of researchers aiming to promote a better understanding of the whole picture of vitamin D, sun exposure and health rather than focusing on isolated pockets of research.
Vitamin D is one of the most commonly diagnosed vitamin deficiencies in the developing world and as a result there is great interest in the risks and benefits of vitamin D and sun exposure.
The D-Light project at The Kids Research Institute Australia is convened locally by Professor Prue Hart and by Professor Robyn Lucas from the Australian National University.
Prue said the Symposium was a great opportunity to hear from international speakers who are involved with research in countries with a very different UV environment to our own.
"This high level gathering will also showcase the excellent UV and vitamin D research we're doing in WA," said Prue.