Factors Influencing Vitamin D Status

Acta Dermato-Venereologica

William Tsiaras, Martin A. Weinstock

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.

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