The contributions of adjusted ambient ultraviolet B radiation at place of residence and other determinants to serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentrations

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.