Solar Simulators for Healthy Vitamin D Synthesis

Abstract

Background/aim: The angular distribution of solar radiance and its spectral characteristics is required for the determination of vitamin D3 production in humans.

Materials and methods: The vitamin D3 weighted exposure can be calculated by integrating the incident solar spectral radiance over all relevant parts of the human body. A novel instrument allowing simultaneous measurements of spectral radiance from more than 100 directions has been developed. A large solar simulator for controlled experiments is described.

Results: In summer it is relatively easy to obtain sufficient vitamin D because sun exposure times are short. In winter solstice vitamin D3 cannot be obtained with realistic clothing even if the exposure were extended to all daylight hours.

Conclusion: Improved and controlled experiments to determine vitamin D3 production are required to assess the positive effects of solar UV radiation and to assess its natural variability.

Keywords: UV imaging spectroradiometer; Vitamin D; human exposure; radiance.