Sun and Ski Holidays Improve Vitamin D Status, But are Associated with High Levels of DNA Damage.
Journal of Investigative Dermatology accepted article preview online, 20 May 2014; doi:10.1038/jid.2014.223.
Petersen B1, Wulf HC1, Triguero-Mas M2, Philipsen PA1, Thieden E1, Olsen P1, Heydenreich J1, Dadvand P2, Basagaña X2, Liljendahl TS3, Harrison GI4, Segerbäck D3, Schmalwieser AW5, Young AR4, Nieuwenhuijsen MJ2.
Skin cancer is caused by solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR), which is also essential for vitamin D production. DNA damage (thymine dimers: T-T dimers) and vitamin D (25(OH)D) synthesis are both initiated by solar ultraviolet B radiation (UVB). We aimed to investigate the simultaneous adverse and beneficial effects of solar UVB exposure in holidaymakers. Sun-seekers and skiers (n=71) were observed over 6 days with on-site monitoring, personal diaries, and recording of personal UVB exposure doses with electronic dosimeters. Urine and blood samples were analysed for T-T dimers and 25(OH)D, respectively. The volunteers had a statistically significant increase in vitamin D. There were strong associations between UVB exposure and post-holiday levels of T-T dimers and vitamin D, as well as between post-holiday T-T dimers and vitamin D. We conclude that UVB induced vitamin D synthesis is associated with considerable DNA damage in the skin. These data, on two major health predictors, provide a basis for further field studies that may result in better understanding of the risks and benefits of "real life" solar exposure. However, vitamin D status can be improved more safely through the use of vitamin D dietary supplements.
PMID: 24844860
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