Higher ultraviolet light exposure is associated with lower mortality
A UK Biobank study found higher ultraviolet light exposure linked to lower mortality rates in older adults, suggesting health benefits may outweigh risks, especially in low-sunlight regions.
Read original article
A study analyzing data from the UK Biobank has found that higher exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light is linked to lower mortality rates among older adults. The research assessed two types of UV exposure: solarium use and annual average residential shortwave radiation, both of which were validated against measured vitamin D levels. The findings indicate that increased UV exposure correlates with reduced all-cause mortality, as well as lower mortality rates from cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Additionally, individuals who used solariums exhibited a decreased risk of non-cardiovascular and non-cancer-related mortality. The results suggest that the health benefits of UV exposure may outweigh the associated risks, particularly in regions with limited sunlight. This could prompt a reevaluation of public health messaging regarding sunlight exposure.
- Higher UV exposure is associated with lower all-cause mortality.
- The study found reduced mortality from cardiovascular diseases and cancer linked to UV exposure.
- Solarium use is correlated with lower non-CVD/non-cancer mortality.
- The findings may influence public health recommendations on sunlight exposure.
- The benefits of UV exposure may be more significant in low-sunlight areas.
Related
The Limited Value of Multivitamin Supplements
A study in JAMA Network Open found multivitamin supplements did not reduce mortality risk and could increase it by 4%. Obtaining vitamins from food is preferred, with some exceptions for specific health conditions.
Multivitamin does not improve longevity
The study on multivitamin use and mortality risk involved 390,000+ participants. Proportional hazards assumption violation led to stratified analysis, emphasizing the complexity of associations and the call for additional research.
Regular Glucosamine Use and Mortality
A study of 495,077 UK Biobank participants found regular glucosamine use linked to reduced all-cause mortality and specific deaths, suggesting potential health benefits and the need for further research.
Older Adults Do Not Benefit from Moderate Drinking, Large Study Finds
A study in Britain found that older adults do not benefit from moderate alcohol consumption, linking light drinking to increased cancer death risks, particularly among vulnerable populations, prompting reevaluation of guidelines.
Higher ultraviolet light exposure is associated with lower mortality
A UK Biobank study found higher ultraviolet light exposure linked to lower mortality rates in older adults, suggesting health benefits may outweigh risks, prompting a reevaluation of public health guidelines.
16 commentsThe selected cohort of people is pretty specific from a global perspective. In particular, if you live in a higher UV location (i.e. closer to the equator), intentionally increasing sun exposure like they measured in this study may not be necessary or helpful. For instance, the entire lower 48 states in the USA are below the same latitude as the UK.
sun is good for you in moderation, the amount that is ok depends on your skin color, how tanned you get, in which part of the world you are and how often you are outside. Avoid too much sun and avoid sun burns and also avoid crazy strong sunscreens that block the benefits of getting sunlight. The lifestyle that some people have of spending the whole year inside in an office and that spending their all vacations roasting at the beach is very unhealthy because body does not have time to adapt.
If I go on a hike...and the health benefits of doing so are real, but I do incur a minor health negative from potential skin cancer from higher UV exposure.
...then I've still got a positive correlation between lower mortality and UV...even thought that's linking the wrong variables
Related
The Limited Value of Multivitamin Supplements
A study in JAMA Network Open found multivitamin supplements did not reduce mortality risk and could increase it by 4%. Obtaining vitamins from food is preferred, with some exceptions for specific health conditions.
Multivitamin does not improve longevity
The study on multivitamin use and mortality risk involved 390,000+ participants. Proportional hazards assumption violation led to stratified analysis, emphasizing the complexity of associations and the call for additional research.
Regular Glucosamine Use and Mortality
A study of 495,077 UK Biobank participants found regular glucosamine use linked to reduced all-cause mortality and specific deaths, suggesting potential health benefits and the need for further research.
Older Adults Do Not Benefit from Moderate Drinking, Large Study Finds
A study in Britain found that older adults do not benefit from moderate alcohol consumption, linking light drinking to increased cancer death risks, particularly among vulnerable populations, prompting reevaluation of guidelines.
Higher ultraviolet light exposure is associated with lower mortality
A UK Biobank study found higher ultraviolet light exposure linked to lower mortality rates in older adults, suggesting health benefits may outweigh risks, prompting a reevaluation of public health guidelines.