A new study by scientists at Trinity College Dublin sheds light on the complexities of achieving optimal vitamin D status in diverse populations. Despite substantial research into the determinants of vitamin D, levels of vitamin D deficiency remain high. The study was recently published in the journal Clinical Nutrition.
Dr Margaret M. Brennan, Research Assistant, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, Trinity College and first author, said:
“We hope that this work can highlight the significant differences in vitamin D levels between different ethnic groups in the northern latitudes and contribute to efforts to address the long-standing population health problem of vitamin D deficiency. “.
The authors analyzed data from half a million UK participants and, for each person, calculated the individualized estimate of the ambient level of ultraviolet B (UVB), which is the wavelength of sunlight that induces vitamin D synthesis in the skin.
A comprehensive analysis of key determinants of vitamin D and their interactions revealed novel insights. The first key insight is that ambient UVB rays are emerging as a critical predictor of vitamin D status, even in a place like the UK, which receives relatively little sunlight. The second is that age, sex, body mass index (BMI), cholesterol level and vitamin D supplementation significantly influence individuals’ response to UVB rays. For example, as BMI and age increase, the amount of vitamin D produced in response to UVB rays decreases.
Professor Lina Zgaga, Associate Professor of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Trinity College School of Medicine and Principal Investigator, said:
“We believe our findings have significant implications for the development of personalized recommendations for vitamin D supplementation. Our study underscores the need to move away from a one-size-fits-all approach toward personalized strategies to optimize vitamin D status.”
Rasha Shraim, PhD candidate, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, Trinity College and co-principal investigator of this study, said:
“Our study also highlights the effect that natural environmental factors, such as sunlight, can have on our health. We hope that our approach will encourage future researchers and public health agencies to integrate these factors into their work on health and disease.”
The authors hope that their manuscript will contribute to the current debate on vitamin D supplementation guidelines.