In this video clip from Low Carb Down Under, Dr. Paul Mason presents a theory linking the consumption of industrial seed oils to a higher susceptibility to sunburn

Key Arguments and Claims:

• Vitamin D as Natural Sunscreen: Dr. Mason states that the body naturally vitamin D as a protective shield against UV/UVB radiation damage to DNA, rather than strictly for bone health
• The Cholesterol Connection: He references Ancel Keys’ historical “Seven Countries Study”, highlighting a data point that individuals with higher sun exposure had lower blood cholesterol levels. He explains this occurs because the body uses cholesterol to synthesize vitamin D
• Interference by Plant Sterols: He argues that plant sterols (phytosterols) absorbed from dietary seed oils interfere with normal cholesterol chemistry, specifically disrupting the skin’s ability to synthesize vitamin D
• Anecdotal Evidence: While acknowledging the evidence is largely anecdotal, he points out that a vast number of individuals on ketogenic internet forums report a noticeable resistance to sunburn after completely eliminating seed oils from their diet.