Utilising shade to optimize UV exposure for vitamin D

Abstract

Numerous studies have stated that humans need to utilise full sun radiation, at certain times of the day, to assist the body in synthesising the required levels of vitamin D3. Current Australian guidelines suggest exposure to approximately 1/6 to 1/3 of a minimum erythemal dose (MED), depending on age, would be appropriate to provide adequate vitamin D levels. In the light of the considerable body of evidence regarding the harm done by excessive UV exposure and the public awareness of skin cancer, new public health programs are needed in order to optimize human solar UV exposure. Utilizing scattered solar UV radiation to obtain beneficial amounts of UV, while at the same time reducing personal overexposure to harmful UV radiation may prove to be absolutely necessary for an improvement in public health.