Extending DST will promote healthy bones

Beginning in 2007, daylight savings time will be extended by almost a month. This additional amount of daylight may help extend the life and health of people's teeth and bones since vitamin D, also known as the "sunshine vitamin," is made by the body through casual and minimal sun exposure.

Vitamin D is just as essential as calcium for healthy teeth and bones, advises Charles Hildebolt, Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Mo. "Both vitamin D and calcium counteract deficiencies and reduce bone resorption," he says. "Numerous studies indicate that vitamin D and calcium deficiencies result in bone loss and increased inflammation. Inflammation is a well recognized symptom of periodontal diseases, which is why it has been suggested that calcium and vitamin D deficiency may be a risk factor for periodontal diseases."

Research consistantly has shown that the best means of obtaining the required amount of vitamin D is from sunshine. Season, geographic latitude, time of day, cloud cover, smog, and sunscreen affect ultraviolet ray exposure and vitamin D synthesis. Ten to 15 minutes of sun exposure at least two times per week to the face, arms, hands, or back usually is sufficient to provide adequate vitamin D. People who live in an area with limited sun exposure may want to eat food fortified with vitamin D--such as milk, eggs, sardines, and tuna fish.

"We are not encouraging people to forego their sun protection nor to spend prolonged periods of time in the sun," explains Vincent J. Iacono, president of the American Academy of Periodontology, Chicago. "According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there is no such thing as a total UV block. Even the most effective sunscreens currently on the market let through enough UV to allow for adequate vitamin D formation."

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