Vitamin D research reveals bone health concerns

The SACN report also advised certain groups, such as care home residents with little outdoor exposure, to take a daily vitamin D supplement all year round. But it recognised that more research is needed to understand the impact of ageing on the skin’s production of vitamin D from sunlight. This is increasingly important with the growing numbers of people aged over 65.

Further research, supported by the Dunhill Medical Trust, is now being carried out by researchers at The University of Manchester’s photobiology unit based at Salford Royal into vitamin D status and the effect of sunlight in people aged 65-84.

Prof Rhodes added: “Maintaining good vitamin D levels is important for muscle and bone health in older people, and sunlight exposure of the skin is a major source of vitamin D. The skin of older adults may have reduced capacity to make vitamin D, but we don’t understand how this, or their sun-exposure behaviour, influences their vitamin D levels. A better understanding allows appropriate health advice to be given.”

Researchers are looking for people to take part in the study, which will involve a summer and winter assessment of sunlight exposure, diet and vitamin D levels. Anyone interested can contact:

Tel: 0161 206 0457

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Vitamin D research reveals bone health concerns