Research and analysis

Ultraviolet radiation and vitamin D: the effects on health

This report (PHE-CRCE-030) provides scientific evidence to support advice about ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposures and vitamin D

• From: Public Health England
• Published: 13 March 2017

Documents

Ultraviolet Radiation, Vitamin D and Health

Ref: PHE publications gateway number: 2016617

PDF, 1.52 MB, 112 pages

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Details

The report:

• provides an overview of the potential sources of UVR exposure to people and the response functions used to assess exposure
• considers the cutaneous synthesis and metabolism of vitamin D, dietary and supplemental sources, vitamin D status of the UK population and the effects of vitamin D on skeletal health
• explains the analytical techniques for assessing vitamin D status
• considers the variations in vitamin D status in the UK population and demonstrates the complexities of the UK’s diverse ethnic population and lifestyles
• examines the photobiological aspects of vitamin D and the effects of photoprotection and sun avoidance strategies on vitamin D status
• covers the health impacts of vitamin D and potential health outcomes including cancer and other systemic diseases

The report was produced by the independent Advisory Group on Non-ionising Radiation (AGNIR).

Published 13 March 2017