Estimated equivalency of vitamin D production from natural sun exposure versus oral vitamin D supplementation across seasons at two US latitudes Journal Article
| Authors: | Terushkin, V.; Bender, A.; Psaty, E. L.; Engelsen, O.; Wang, S. Q.; Halpern, A. C. |
| Article Title: | Estimated equivalency of vitamin D production from natural sun exposure versus oral vitamin D supplementation across seasons at two US latitudes |
| Abstract: | Background: The relationship between oral vitamin D supplementation and cutaneous photosynthesis is not well understood. Objective: We sought to provide estimates of the equivalency of vitamin D production from natural sun exposure versus oral supplementation. Methods: Using the FastRT simulation tool, we determined sun exposure times needed to achieve serum vitamin D3 concentrations equivalent to 400 or 1000 IU vitamin D for individuals of various Fitzpatrick skin types living in Miami, FL, and Boston, MA, during the months of January, April, July, and October. Results: Peak ultraviolet B irradiation for vitamin D synthesis occurs around 12 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST). In Boston, MA, from April to October at 12 pm EST an individual with type III skin, with 25.5% of the body surface area exposed, would need to spend 3 to 8 minutes in the sun to synthesize 400 IU of vitamin D. It is difficult to synthesize vitamin D during the winter in Boston, MA. For all study months in Miami, FL, an individual with type III skin would need to spend 3 to 6 minutes at 12 pm EST to synthesize 400 IU. Vitamin D synthesis occurs faster in individuals with lighter Fitzpatrick skin types. The duration to attain 1000 IU of vitamin D is longer in all scenarios. Limitations: Results of the computer model are only approximations. In addition, calculations were made based on the assumption that 1/4 of 1 minimal erythema dose directed at 1/4 body surface area is equal to 1000 IU of oral vitamin D. Conclusions: Although it may be tempting to recommend intentional sun exposure based on our findings, it is difficult, if not impossible to titrate one's exposure. There are well-known detrimental side effects of ultraviolet irradiation. Therefore, oral supplementation remains the safest way for increasing vitamin D status. © 2009 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. |
| Keywords: | united states; comparative study; skin pigmentation; sun exposure; radiation dosage; skin; vitamin d; vitamin supplementation; computer simulation; dietary supplements; ultraviolet b radiation; ultraviolet rays; administration, oral; sunlight; ultraviolet irradiation; vitamin blood level; seasonal variation; winter; cholecalciferol; body surface; oral supplementation; vitamin d synthesis; colecalciferol; photosynthesis; summer; boston; florida; seasons |
| Journal Title: | Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology |
| Volume: | 62 |
| Issue: | 6 |
| ISSN: | 0190-9622 |
| Publisher: | Mosby Elsevier |
| Date Published: | 2010-06-01 |
| Start Page: | 929.e1 |
| End Page: | 929.e9 |
| Language: | English |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.jaad.2009.07.028 |
| PUBMED: | 20363523 |
| PROVIDER: | scopus |
| DOI/URL: | |
| Notes: | --- - "Cited By (since 1996): 4" - "Export Date: 20 April 2011" - "CODEN: JAADD" - "Source: Scopus" |
Altmetric
Citation Impact
BMJ Impact Analytics
Related MSK Work