Tanning beds do not contain vitamin D, but they can stimulate your body to produce it—with major caveats.
Here’s what you need to know:
How Vitamin D Is Produced
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Vitamin D is made in your skin when it’s exposed to UVB radiation from sunlight.
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Some tanning beds emit UVB, but most primarily emit UVA, which does not help with vitamin D production and causes more skin aging and cancer risk.
Problems with Using Tanning Beds for Vitamin D
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Unreliable UVB Output
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Most modern tanning beds are designed for cosmetic tanning and emit mostly UVA, so they produce little or no vitamin D.
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High Health Risks
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Tanning beds increase your risk of skin cancer, including deadly melanoma.
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Even brief exposure to tanning beds can damage skin DNA.
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Better Sources Exist
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Supplements and dietary sources (like fatty fish, fortified milk, or eggs) are safer and more effective.
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Just 10–15 minutes of sun exposure a few times a week (depending on your skin type and location) can provide adequate vitamin D.
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