tanning - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

tuckersmom · 11-18-2007, 08:09 AM

In light of all of the most recent findings on the wonderful benefits of Vit. D both pre and post MS and other conditions, I have been trying to find info. on how to get best vit. d best resembling the kind you receive from the sun.

I have read 3 of the best ways, sun (15-30 min. w/o sunscreen), green veggies (you have to eat a ton to get what you need daily) and lastly supplement as a last resort given so much is not absorbed. I have found several who argue that the uvB that you get from 15 min. or so in a tanning bed or with a tanning lamp is better than the last 2 (veggies/supplement). Clearly tanning for long periods of time is not recommended nor is it needed to be beneficial.

Has anyone ever looked at this or spoken with a dr. about this? Just wondering if in the winter, when sun is so sparse in this part of the US if using a tanning lamp or such for a short time every day would be of benefit.

Thoughts?

Bearygood · 11-18-2007, 08:46 AM

The sunshine component of D is vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Very inexpensive. Less harmful and easier to control than a tanning lamp.

If there is a slight deficiency with this vitamin or reason to put more into your body than "normal" people (like us) it is very difficult to get enough from natural food sources -- and I believe this is especially the case as you get older.

I take just under 2,000 daily (with what I beleive to be normal vitamin D levels -- don't think I'm deficient), a friend whose levels are normal was told by her neuro to take 4,000 IU daily and I JUST read elsewhere from a few MSers that they take prescription D in the amount of 50,000 IU weekly (prescribed by neuro).

I had recently read someplace that the dosage should be reduced in sunny months, or if you live year round in a sunny climate.

MSNik · 11-18-2007, 09:02 AM

Hi there. I did actually speak to my Neuro about tanning. He was not convinced that the benefits outweighed the risks, but told me in moderation, it couldnt be bad. I also know that one of the more well known tanning chains has literature in their salon about the benefits of tanning with respect to Vitamin D absorbtion.

Let me be honest, I have attempted to tan in small doses prior to a carribean vacation in the past year. Ive found it to be HORRIBLE for MS with respect to HEAT! Ive given up completely on the lay down type beds, and have successfully managed to stand up in a high powered tanner with very strong fans for up to 7 minutes. NO MORE! After that, i come out feeling like cooked spaghetti and lose my ability to think! I have tanned most of my life in indoor tanning beds, but no more often then 2 or 3 times a week, and no more often then 10 or 12 minutes at a time....since MS, reduce that to no more than 2 times a week and no more than 7 minutes at a time.

Is it doing anything for me? As a child who grew up getting MORE than sufficeient sunshine- I still got MS. As an adult who managed to take multi-vitamins and supplements my entire life and also tanned with indoor tanning a good part of my 20s, I still wound up with MS in my late 30s....and now, at (almost 41) I tan twice a week about 30 weeks of the year, and guess what? When I do go, I dont feel a lick better as per MS health! I do however look alittle healthier! Im a huge advocate of what tanning CAN do to mature skin and refuse to allow myself to get all leathery looking, but twice a week doesnt let that happen...at least not to date!

I take 3000 units of Vitamin D 3 a day, per my doctors request....if it is helping I have no idea, but its not hurting. (and it is a cheap supplement to buy).

Dont know if any of this helps you, but thought Id throw in my experience..
Hugs,
Nikki

Bearygood · 11-18-2007, 09:07 AM

Well, you may never know for sure!

The theory is that it in those already dxed, it may aid in slowing/halting progresssion. My friend on 4,000 daily says she feels a difference but I can't tell. Actually, I can't really tell for sure on any of my supplements but since I have gotten much better and feel pretty good, I'm not going to stop to find out, either!

MSNik · 11-18-2007, 09:12 AM

back at ya on that. I may never know if this stuff is helping or not. I can honestly say the Tumeric seems to help. When I skip a day, I feel it...but Vitamin D 3 DOES SEEM important. I mean, from a geneology standpoint, they have proven where the most MS developes, and in what type of people- European decent, those furtheset from the equator, etc. There must be something to it!
Ill keep taking my D3, and Ill probably keep tanning once or twice a week. If nothing else, it feels good to have alittle color and not be pasty! But I sure wish this upcoming year would show some new and definative developements for us with respect to controlling this disease!
hugs
N