Sunshine and vitamin D.
Vitamin D is vital for bone health and its deficiency deemed as a disease of the past has re-emerged as an important health concern. Exposure of the skin to solar ultraviolet B radiation is the major source of vitamin D and only a small proportion is derived from dietary intake. We review the various factors that influence the cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D and the recommendations regarding safe sun exposure and dietary supplementation to achieve adequate vitamin D levels proposed for optimal bone health.
Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham, UK.
Vrinda
V
Saraff
Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham, UK.
Nick
N
Shaw
D003020:Clothing; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004787:Environmental Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D012621:Seasons; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000502:physiology; D013472:Sunlight; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000517:prevention & control
D013473:Sunscreening Agents; D014807:Vitamin D
Bone Disease; Dermatology; Endocrinology