Teen Health

Group Calls for Tanning Salon Ban for Teens

Vitamin D in Diet and Supplements

The report calls for doctors and parents to be vigilant about protecting children from ultraviolet radiation while encouraging some outside activity for optimal health and vitamin D production.

Vitamin D is necessary for normal growth and bone development. Sources of vitamin D include exposure to the sun, dietary sources, and supplements. Vitamin D deficiency is a growing health concern among both children and adults. But researchers say deliberate sun and ultraviolet radiation exposure with the goal of increasing vitamin D production should be avoided. Instead, healthy vitamin D levels should be achieved through dietary sources and supplementation, if necessary.