Photosensitive patients at risk of year-round low vitamin D status

The study published in the British Journal of Dermatology focused on sunlight exposure, photoprotective-behaviour (sun protection from clothes and sunscreen), oral vitamin D intake (from both diet and supplements) and vitamin D levels in the blood (vitamin D ‘status’) in 53 patients with moderate to severe photosensitivity, in comparison with healthy adults.

It found that the behaviour of photosensitive patients was the main cause for year-round low vitamin D status, rather than just the winter months. Insufficient and even deficient levels occurred at the peak of summer in 47% and 9% of patients respectively, rising to 73% and 32% mid-winter. The researchers suggested that targeted guidance on oral supplements is needed for photosensitive patients and their physicians.