[Vitamin D concentrations in blood and skin phototype in a general adult population in France].
BACKGROUND
A link between bone mineral density and skin color has been reported recently, and pigmentation has been shown to affect cutaneous vitamin D production. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between phototype, global self assessed sun exposure, geographical location and vitamin D serum levels in 1191 French adults.


METHODS
Three multiple linear regression analyses were performed. The two first analyses to test separately the effect of phototype, and the effect of sun exposure on the vitamin D levels. Then, a third model was constructed, using both factors and geographical location.


RESULTS
When the factors were analyzed separately, individuals with lower phototype showed significantly lower levels of vitamin D than those with darker phototype, as well as, individuals with lower sun exposure showed significantly lower levels of vitamin D than those with higher sun exposure. However in the global model, which takes into account phototype and sun exposure simultaneously together with the region of residence, the vitamin D status was no longer linked with the phototype, but with sun exposure and geographical location.


CONCLUSIONS
Since phototype and global self-assessment of sun exposure were positively linked, our data suggest that lower vitamin D levels in fair-skinned individuals are due to their sun exposure behavior.
Guinot
C
C
CE.R.I.E.S., Neuilly-sur-Seine.
Malvy
D
D
Preziosi
P
P
Galan
P
P
Chapuy
M
M
Maamer
M
M
Arnaud
S
S
Meunier
P
P
Tschachler
E
E
Hercberg
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012867:Skin / Q000528:radiation effects*; D013472:Sunlight; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000097:blood*
D014807:Vitamin D