Acta Derm Venereol. 2011 Mar;91(2):115-24.
Tsiaras WG, Weinstock MA.
Dermatoepidemiology Unit, VA Medical Center-111D, 830 Chalkstone Ave, Providence, RI 02908, USA.
The steroid hormone vitamin D is required for normal calcium and phosphorus metabolism and is thus an important contributor to musculoskeletal health. Recent data have linked low vitamin D levels to a wide range of diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease and infection. Adequate levels of vitamin D are maintained through its cutaneous photosynthesis and oral ingestion. By some estimates, one billion people worldwide have vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency. A number of factors influence the photosynthesis and bioavailability of vitamin D and contribute to risk of impaired vitamin D status. These factors include variation in sun exposure due to
- latitude,
- season,
- time of day,
- atmospheric components,
- clothing,
- sunscreen use and
- skin pigmentation, as well as
- age,
- obesity and the
- incidence of several chronic illnesses.
This review will focus on factors that influence vitamin D status and contribute to the prevalence of low vitamin D levels.
PMID: 21384086
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