The lack of vitamin D, and what that deficiency can lead to is Dr. Michael Holick's main concern. Holick is the director of the General Clinical Research Center at the Boston University School of Medicine. He also directs the school's Vitamin D, Skin and Bone Center.

Bone diseases such as osteoporosis and osteomalacia are linked to vitamin D deprivation, and researchers have uncovered the mechanism by which vitamin D plays a role in the prevention of breast, colon and prostate cancers. "We think that in general the population is in risk of vitamin D deficiency chronically at all ages," Holick said. "Only by having adequate exposure to sunlight or taking much more vitamin D will you satisfy your vitamin D requirements."

More than 25 million Americans suffer from osteoporosis, 20 million of whom are women. This debilitating disease usually leaves a person stooped over, and their activity is severely limited. Vitamin D deficiency also can cause osteomalacia, a mineralization defect that causes intense pain. However, vitamin D alone isn't enough for good bone health; calcium helps the body absorb the vitamin. Dr. Holick's recipe: Calcium plus vitamin D plus exercise equals good bone health. Without vitamin D, the body can only absorb 10 to 15 percent of the calcium it does when healthy vitamin D levels are present.

"The dermatology community is beginning to rethink this issue," he explained. "It has been a long and tough battle in trying to have them appreciate that there are some beneficial effects to the tanning process and being exposed to sunlight." To make his case, Holick had to attack some pretty established preconceived notions about ultraviolet light. "I think many dermatologists don't understand it. They have pseudo-information, and as a result it is easy for them to stick their heads in the sand and say that 'That is our policy: No exposure to sunlight and always wear sunscreen. End of story.' They don't appreciate the potential health consequences of that."

But now he believes he is turning the corner in getting people to recognize his work and the work of others who believe in the positive effects of sunlight. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, for instance, is watching his work very closely. "I think that more of the research dermatologists - those that are really in the forefront of dermatology - are finally getting the message that I have been trying to get across for a long time that maybe there is in fact a benefit. And that we really need to look at both sides of the coin, that it is not simply black and white that you should not have any exposure to sunlight or tanning bed radiation."

"Tanning equipment exposure has both benefits and potential harmful effects if not used properly," Holick says."The concept that Smart Tan is trying to get across is a very good one. That is, that if you want to tan, you should tan properly and intelligently and you should never, never burn."

The UV Advantage by Dr. Michael Holick, M.D.,Ph.D Dr. Michael Holick is perhaps the world's most respected photo biologist who believes that the benefits of regular sun exposure received in a non-burning fashion outweigh the risks. Dr. Holick is the director of the General Clinical Research Center at the Boston University School of Medicine. He also directs the school's Vitamin D, Skin and Bone Center. He discovered the active form of vitamin D in the 1970's and today is regarded as the world's leading expert on vitamin D.   The Medical Breakthrough That Shows How To Harness The Power Of The Sun For Your Health. Dr. Holick's new book "The UV Advantage" is based on 30 years of research. It will change the way people look at UV light and tanning. item #250 (hardcover) $19.75 Christmas Special $ 8.00

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Tanning & Natural Health News is a publication of Tan Plus /Essentials Of Life, Barclay Square, 350 Route 108, Somersworth, NH. This publication is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be presented as medical advice. Product statements made have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration.