Researchers at Newcastle University have concluded from a new study that vitamin D levels in older adults remain low year-round, even during the summer months when sunlight is abundant. The findings were published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
It is widely believed that summer sunlight exposure compensates for vitamin D deficiency through ultraviolet radiation on the skin. As a result, doctors often recommend spending more time in the sun instead of taking supplements. The new study challenges this approach regarding vulnerable populations.
Scientists from Newcastle University’s Centre for Nutrition and Exercise Research analyzed vitamin D levels in 300 residents of northern Britain. The participants included British individuals over the age of 65 and adults of various ages from ethnic minorities. Each volunteer provided a standard finger-prick blood sample, which was processed by a specialized laboratory.
The results were surprising: vitamin D deficiency was widespread in both groups and did not resolve during the summer. Deficiency was identified in more than half of the older participants, and the rate was even higher among ethnic minorities. No significant improvement was observed in the summer months.
The researchers conclude that, for individuals in high-risk groups, relying on summer sunlight and limiting synthetic vitamin D intake is not advisable.
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