Ultraviolet-B radiation increases serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels: The effect of UVB dose and skin color
Accepted 6 March 2007. published online 16 July 2007.
Refers to article:
Commentary: A responsible approach to maintaining adequate serum vitamin D levels
, 16 July 2007
Henry W. Lim, John A. Carucci, James M. Spencer, Darrell S. Rigel
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
October 2007 (Vol. 57, Issue 4, Pages 594-595) Full Text |
Full-Text PDF (65 KB)
Background
Ultraviolet (UV)-B light increases vitamin D levels, but the dose response and the effect of skin pigmentation have not been well characterized.
Objective
We sought to define the relationship between UVB exposure and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D) concentrations as a function of skin pigmentation.
Methods
Seventy two participants with various skin tones had 90% of their skin exposed to UVB light (20-80 mJ/cm2) 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Serum 25-OH-D was measured weekly.
Results
Eighty percent of the variation in treatment response was explained by UVB dose and skin tone. Therapeutically important changes in 25-OH-D were achieved with minimal tanning.
Limitations
Four weeks was not long enough to reach a steady state at the higher dose rates.
Conclusions
The response of 25-OH-D levels to UVB light is dependent on skin pigmentation and the amount of UVB given, and useful increases in vitamin D status can be achieved by defined UVB doses small enough to produce only minimal tanning.
aCreighton University Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
bMedical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
Correspondence to: Laura A. G. Armas, MD, Creighton University Medical Center, 601 North 30th St, Suite 4820, Omaha, NE 68131.
Supported by Dialysis Clinics Inc, The Endocrine Fellows Foundation, and research funds of Creighton University.
Disclosure: Dr Hollis is a consultant for Diasorin. Diasorin manufactures assays for 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Drs Armas, Dowell, Akhter, Duthuluru, Huerter, Lund, and Heaney have no conflicts of interest to declare.
ABSTRACT