Optimizing Vitamin D Supplementation in an Environment Without UV Light Exposure

2012 ◽  
Vol 83 (5) ◽  
pp. 534-536
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Uv Light ◽  
Light Exposure ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation

scholarly journals The Influence of Sunlight Exposure and Sun Protecting Behaviours on Allergic Outcomes in Early Childhood

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 5429
Author(s):  
Kristina Rueter ◽  
Anderson P. Jones ◽  
Aris Siafarikas ◽  
Paola Chivers ◽  
Susan L. Prescott ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Early Childhood ◽  
Allergic Disease ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Uv Light ◽  
Light Exposure ◽  
Outdoor Exposure ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Sunlight Exposure ◽  
Dramatic Rise

The dramatic rise in allergic disease has occurred in tandem with recent environmental changes and increasing indoor lifestyle culture. While multifactorial, one consistent allergy risk factor has been reduced sunlight exposure. However, vitamin D supplementation studies have been disappointing in preventing allergy, raising possible independent effects of ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. The aim of this study was to examine whether UV light exposure influences the development of allergic disease in early childhood. Direct sunlight exposure (290–380 nm) in early infancy was measured via UV dosimeters. Outdoor exposure, sun protective behaviours, and allergy outcomes were assessed over the first 2.5 years of life with clinical assessment appointments at 3, 6, 12 and 30 months of age. Children with eczema had less (p = 0.038) direct UV light exposure between 0-3 months of age (median (IQR) 747 (473–1439) J/m2) than children without eczema (median (IQR) 1204 (1717–1843) J/m2); and less outdoor exposure time (7 min/day) between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. compared to children without eczema (20 min/day, p = 0.011). These associations were seen independent of vitamin D status, and after adjusting for other potential confounders. Whilst we could not find any associations between direct UV light exposure and other allergic disease outcomes, exposure to UV light appears to be beneficial in reducing the risk of eczema development in early childhood. Further research is required to determine optimal levels of UV light exposure while balancing the potential risks.

ASCIA-P55: THE INFLUENCE OF VITAMIN D AND UV-LIGHT EXPOSURE ON THE DEVELOPING IMMUNE PHENOTYPE IN INFANCY

2016 ◽  
Vol 46 ◽  
pp. 21-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristina Rueter ◽  
Anderson Jones ◽  
Aris Siafarikas ◽  
Ee M Lim ◽  
Susan L. Prescott ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Uv Light ◽  
Light Exposure ◽  
Immune Phenotype

scholarly journals Investigating the Potential for Ultraviolet Light to Modulate Morbidity and Mortality From COVID-19: A Narrative Review and Update

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shelley Gorman ◽  
Richard B. Weller
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Uv Light ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Morbidity And Mortality ◽  
High Dose

During the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease of 2019) pandemic, researchers have been seeking low-cost and accessible means of providing protection from its harms, particularly for at-risk individuals such as those with cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity. One possible way is via safe sun exposure, and/or dietary supplementation with induced beneficial mediators (e.g., vitamin D). In this narrative review, we provide rationale and updated evidence on the potential benefits and harms of sun exposure and ultraviolet (UV) light that may impact COVID-19. We review recent studies that provide new evidence for any benefits (or otherwise) of UV light, sun exposure, and the induced mediators, vitamin D and nitric oxide, and their potential to modulate morbidity and mortality induced by infection with SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory disease coronavirus-2). We identified substantial interest in this research area, with many commentaries and reviews already published; however, most of these have focused on vitamin D, with less consideration of UV light (or sun exposure) or other mediators such as nitric oxide. Data collected to-date suggest that ambient levels of both UVA and UVB may be beneficial for reducing severity or mortality due to COVID-19, with some inconsistent findings. Currently unresolved are the nature of the associations between blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D and COVID-19 measures, with more prospective data needed that better consider lifestyle factors, such as physical activity and personal sun exposure levels. Another short-coming has been a lack of measurement of sun exposure, and its potential to influence COVID-19 outcomes. We also discuss possible mechanisms by which sun exposure, UV light and induced mediators could affect COVID-19 morbidity and mortality, by focusing on likely effects on viral pathogenesis, immunity and inflammation, and potential cardiometabolic protective mechanisms. Finally, we explore potential issues including the impacts of exposure to high dose UV radiation on COVID-19 and vaccination, and effective and safe doses for vitamin D supplementation.

scholarly journals Nutrition and Human Space Flight: Evidence From 4–6 Month Missions to the International Space Station

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 863-863
Author(s):  
Scott Smith ◽  
Martina Heer ◽  
Sara Zwart
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Space Flight ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Food System ◽  
Uv Light ◽  
Light Exposure ◽  
Space Station ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Interferon Γ

Abstract Objectives 2020 marked the 20th anniversary of a continuous human presence off the planet. Space flight is challenging, with environmental stressors, a closed food system, and adaptations affecting virtually all body systems. Our objective was to evaluate the time course of biochemical changes during flight, the effects of countermeasures, and the relationship between diet and physiological outcomes. Methods Blood and urine samples were collected before, during, and after flight from 65 astronauts. These were analyzed for a broad-based survey of physiological systems. Detailed diet records were available from 27 astronauts using an iPad App designed for use on ISS. Results The average intake of fruits and vegetables was lower than recommended (2.6 ± 0.9 servings per day), but intakes correlated with outcomes at landing. Specifically, higher intakes were positively correlated with vitamin C status (R2 = 0.43, P < 0.05), and negatively correlated with inflammation (Interferon-γ, R2 = 0.76, P = 0.001) and oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, R2 = 0.51, P < 0.05). Despite limited dietary sources and no UV light exposure, 800 IU vitamin D/d supplements maintained vitamin D status (serum 25OH-vitamin D was 78 ± 4 nmol/L during flight). Cholesterol (298 ± 163 mg/d) and saturated fat (26.1 ± 11 g/d, 10.4 ± 3.1% of kcals) intakes were associated with a 10% and 14% increase in circulating total and LDL cholesterol, respectively (P < 0.001). Perhaps the most notable finding is that one-carbon biochemistry is altered in astronauts who experienced ophthalmic changes during and after flight, where circulating homocysteine concentrations were higher in affected astronauts compared to unaffected astronauts (P < 0.001), and these differences existed before flight. Conclusions Evaluation of countermeasure effectiveness and individual and group responses to spaceflight will continue to be important on the ISS and will inform future space programs including Artemis and Gateway missions to the moon. Those efforts will require similar types of comprehensive assessments to allow the next steps in human exploration of space. By uniting nutrition with other disciplines, the importance of diet in heath can be further enlightened, with potential implications for both space explorers and for those remaining on Earth. Funding Sources This research was funded by the NASA Human Research Program and DLR.

scholarly journals Vitamin D and Infertility: The Evidence

2019 ◽  
Vol 01 (01) ◽  
pp. 31-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark D. Hornstein
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Uv Light ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Minimal Impact ◽  
Vitamin D Receptors ◽  
Vitamin D Intake ◽  
Vitamin D Levels

Vitamin D is a lipid soluble vitamin synthesized by the skin upon exposure to UV light. Approximately 10–20% of vitamin D comes from dietary sources and 25OH-D is its circulating form. Vitamin D receptors are found in reproductive tissues including ovary, uterus, and endometrium permitting investigators to hypothesize a role for vitamin D in reproduction. Indeed, a number of animal studies provide evidence of vitamin D’s importance in fertility. Studies in humans, however, generally have not supported an effect of vitamin D on fertility outcomes. Several retrospective cohort studies did not demonstrate an association between vitamin D levels and pregnancy. Similarly, one study did not find correlation between anovulatory infertility and vitamin D intake. Very low levels of vitamin D, however, were associated with miscarriage in another study. A large meta-analysis of 11 studies and 2700 women did show an improvement in IVF success rates in those with higher levels of vitamin D. Finally, two small studies on vitamin D supplementation and pregnancy did not show a benefit of increasing vitamin D intake. In conclusion, the literature at best shows a minimal impact of vitamin D on infertility and IVF outcomes.

scholarly journals Nutrition and Human Space Flight: Evidence from 4–6 Month Missions to the International Space Station

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1146-1146
Author(s):  
Scott Smith ◽  
Martina Heer ◽  
Sara Zwart
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Space Flight ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Food System ◽  
Uv Light ◽  
Light Exposure ◽  
Space Station ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Interferon Γ

Abstract Objectives 2020 marks the 20th anniversary of a continuous human presence off the planet. Space flight is physically and physiologically challenging, with environmental stressors, a closed food system, and adaptations affecting virtually all body systems. Key objectives for this effort included evaluating the time course of biochemical changes that occur during flight, the effects of exercise countermeasures, and the relationship between dietary intake and physiological outcomes. Methods Blood and urine samples were collected before, during, and after flight from 65 astronauts. These were analyzed for a broad-based survey of physiological systems. Detailed diet records were available from 27 astronauts using an iPad App designed for use on ISS. Results The average intake of fruits and vegetables was lower than recommended (2.6 ± 0.9 servings per day), but intakes correlated with outcomes at landing. Specifically, higher intakes were positively correlated with vitamin C status (R2 = 0.43, P < 0.05), and negatively correlated with inflammation (Interferon-γ, R2 = 0.76, P = 0.001) and oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, R2 = 0.51, P < 0.05). Despite limited dietary sources and no UV light exposure, supplementing with 800 IU vitamin D/day maintained vitamin D status (serum 25OH-vitamin D was 78 ± 4 nmol/L during flight). Cholesterol (298 ± 163 mg/d) and saturated fat (26.1 ± 11 g/d, 10.4 ± 3.1% of kcals) intakes were associated with a 10% and 14% increase in circulating total and LDL cholesterol concentrations, respectively (P < 0.001). Perhaps the most notable finding is evidence that one-carbon biochemistry is altered in astronauts who experienced ophthalmic changes during and after flight, where circulating homocysteine concentrations were higher in affected astronauts compared to unaffected astronauts (P < 0.001), and these differences existed before flight. Conclusions Evaluation of countermeasure effectiveness and individual and group responses to spaceflight will continue to be important on the ISS, and will inform future space programs including Artemis and Gateway missions to the moon. Those efforts will require similar types of comprehensive assessments to allow the next steps in human exploration of space. By uniting nutrition with other disciplines, the importance of diet in heath can be further enlightened, with potential implications for both space explorers and for those remaining on Earth. Funding Sources This research was funded by the NASA Human Research Program and DLR.

Profiling older community-dwellers with hypovitaminosis D: A classification tree analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 90 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 195-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaelle Chevallereau ◽  
Mathilde Legeay ◽  
Guillaume T. Duval ◽  
Spyridon N. Karras ◽  
Bruno Fantino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Classification Tree ◽  
Hypovitaminosis D ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Gait Disorders ◽  
Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
Chaid Analysis ◽  
Clinical Profiles ◽  
Community Dwellers

Abstract. Despite the high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in older adults, universal vitamin D supplementation is not recommended due to potential risk of intoxication. Our aim here was to determine the clinical profiles of older community-dwellers with hypovitaminosis D. The perspective is to build novel strategies to screen for and supplement those with hypovitaminosis D. A classification tree (CHAID analysis) was performed on multiple datasets standardizedly collected from 1991 older French community-dwelling volunteers ≥ 65 years in 2009–2012. Hypovitaminosis D was defined as serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D ≤ 50 nmol/L. CHAID analysis retained 5 clinical profiles of older community-dwellers with different risks of hypovitaminosis D up to 87.3%, based on various combinations of the following characteristics: polymorbidity, obesity, sadness and gait disorders. For instance, the probability of hypovitaminosis D was 1.42-fold higher [95CI: 1.27–1.59] for those with polymorbidity and gait disorders compared to those with no polymorbidity, no obesity and no sadness. In conclusion, these easily-recordable measures may be used in clinical routine to identify older community-dwellers for whom vitamin D supplementation should be initiated.

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