RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SERUM VITAMIN D LEVEL WITH SUN PROTECT BEHAVIORS AND SUNSCREEN USAGE

Abstract

Aim of study

To investigate the relationship between serum vitamin D concentration with sun exposure behaviors and the change of serum vitamin D concentration after sunscreen usage.

Study participants and Methods

The particiants were medical undergraduate and graduate students of University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh city.

Phase 1 of the study was cross-sectional to investigate the relationship between sun exposure behaviors and serum vitamin D concentration. Phase 2 of the study was intervention study. The participants were prescribed SPF50+ sunscreen and used for 3 months, then to evaluate the change of serum vitamin D concentration.

Results

There were 110 participants in phase 1. Mean of serum vitamin D concentration was 22.82 ± 5.73 ng/mL. The rate of participants with vitamin D deficiency was 31.8%. Rate of vitamin D deficiency in female group was 46.3%, significantly higher than that in male group (46.3% vs. 23.2%; p=0.01). Serum vitamin D concentration in patients who often stayed in shade was significantly lower than that in patients who did not often stay in shade (p=0.039). There were 69 participants in phase 2. After 3 months of sunscreen use, the serum vitamin D concentration in female was significant lower as compared with baseline (p=0.003).

Conclusion

Serum vitamin D concentration in patients who often stayed in shade was significantly lower than that in patients who did not often stay in shade. Female, who have used frenquently sunscreen may be linked to decreasing serum vitamin D concentration.