The potential health advantages of sun exposure might surpass the associated risks for individuals residing in areas with limited sunlight, such as certain regions in the UK, according to a study.
A study indicates that the health perks of sunlight exposure could outweigh the dangers for people living in regions with minimal sunshine.
In regions with low sunlight, like parts of the UK, increased exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation— which comes from sunlight— has been associated with a reduction in fatalities from cardiovascular diseases and cancers.
The research team suggests that by modifying public health guidance to consider both the benefits and dangers of UV exposure, it may be possible to alleviate disease burden and enhance life expectancy in areas with limited sunlight.
Experts urge that protective measures should still be taken when UV levels are elevated to prevent sunburn and minimize the risk of skin cancer.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh utilized genetic and health data from the UK BioBank, an anonymized database containing health information from volunteers, to explore UV exposure levels among 395,000 participants across the UK. The study focused exclusively on individuals of white European descent because skin pigmentation affects how the body responds to UV exposure.
To determine higher UV exposure, the team used participants’ geographical locations to estimate their average annual solar energy exposure and also noted their use of sunbeds.
The results were adjusted for various factors that could affect health—such as smoking, physical activity, socioeconomic status, and gender—helping to clarify the observed changes.
Residing in places with higher UV exposure, like Cornwall, was linked to a 19% lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease and a 12% lower risk of cancer-related death, compared to people in areas with lower UV levels, such as Edinburgh or Glasgow.
Sunbed users showed a 23% reduced risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases and a 14% reduced risk from cancer when compared to non-users. It’s suggested that individuals who use sunbeds might also seek more sun exposure, indicating a broader tendency to enjoy the sun.
Those estimated to have higher UV exposure did face a modestly increased chance of being diagnosed with melanoma— a specific skin cancer— although their risk of dying from it did not increase.
Since the study drew upon UK data from a white European demographic, the findings primarily apply to similar groups in countries with less sunlight. Experts advocate for additional research in regions with higher UV exposure to gain a more comprehensive understanding of its health benefits.
