The contributions of adjusted ambient ultraviolet B radiation at place of residence and other determinants to serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentrations3. (24th January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kelly, D.; Theodoratou, E.; Farrington, S.M.; Fraser, R.; Campbell, H.; Dunlop, M.G.; Zgaga, L.
• Is Part Of: British journal of dermatology. Volume 174:Number 5(2016)
• Page Start: 1068
• Page End: 1078
• Publication Date: 2016-01-24
• Subjects: Dermatology -- Periodicals; Skin -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.5
• DOI: 10.1111/bjd.14296
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-0963

Abstract

Summary: Background: Solar ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation is the major source of vitamin D (vitD) for humans. Objectives: To describe ambient UVB radiation at wavelengths that induce vitD synthesis (vitD‐UVB) in Scotland, and to examine the relationship to serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD). Methods: We estimated the average vitD‐UVB dose for each day of the year and for each postcode area in Scotland, using the Tropospheric Emission Monitoring Internet Service database. Cumulative and weighted vitD‐UVB (CW‐vitD‐UVB) exposure at place of residence was calculated for each participant. Plasma 25OHD was assayed in 1964 healthy participants. Results: Significant seasonal and geographical variation in vitD‐UVB was observed. Ambient vitD‐UVB exposure at place of residence was significantly associated with plasma 25OHD ( P < 0·01). An average increase in 25OHD of 1 ng mL −1 was observed for every 1000 kJ m −2 higher CW‐vitD‐UVB dose or for every 2·5 μg of daily supplement taken. Adequate 25OHD concentration (> 16 ng mL −1 ) was observed in the majority when CW‐vitD‐UVB dose was > 6000 kJ m −2, a level of ambient radiation achieved only in summer months in Scotland. When predicting vitD deficiency, dramatic improvement in the area under the curve was observed (from 0·55 to 0·70) after CW‐vitD‐UVB dose was added to the model, in addition to a range of other covariates. Conclusions: Ambient vitD‐UVB can be a useful predictor of vitD status. Geotemporally mapped measurements of vitD‐UVB can be used as a proxy for vitD status or as a covariate in epidemiological research, particularly if 25OHD is unavailable. Abstract : What's already known about this topic? Solar ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation is the major source of vitamin D (vitD) for humans and it is strongly associated with vitD status. UVB radiation at wavelengths that can induce vitD synthesis can be approximated by total UV or UVB radiation, sunshine hours or latitude, typically averaged over a large geographical region and long time period, yielding unreliable approximations. What does this study add? Information on ambient UVB exposure at wavelengths required for vitD synthesis (vitD‐UVB), adjusted for cloud cover and ozone layer, is a powerful yet underutilized tool to study the relationships between UVB, vitD and health outcomes. There was significant geographical variation in vitD‐UVB, even within a small geographical area at a northern latitude. Measured ambient vitD‐UVB dose at place of residence is a good predictor of vitD status. Linked Comment: Dawe. Br J Dermatol 2016;174 :960 Plain language summary available online