Vitamin D Levels, Dietary Intake, and Photoprotective Behaviors Among Patients With Skin Cancer

Photoprotection against ultraviolet light is an important part of our armamentarium against
actinically derived skin cancers. However, there has been concern that adherence to
photoprotection may lead to low vitamin D status, leading to negative effects on patients’
health. In this work we discuss previous findings in this area, which do not give a clear
picture as to the relationship between vitamin D levels and photoprotection measures, as
well as research performed by the authors, who did not detect a relationship between
serum 25(OH)D levels and adherence to photoprotection measures in subjects with skin
cancer, as assessed by the use of sunscreen, clothing, hats, sunglasses, and umbrellas/
shade through the Sun Protection Habits Index. Subjects who took vitamin D oral supplementation
had greater serum 25(OH)D levels than those who did not, whereas dietary
intake through foods did not predict 25(OH)D levels in the authors’ study. However, there
was a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in the authors’ study
population, highlighting the importance of assessing vitamin D status and recommending
oral vitamin D supplementation when indicated.
Semin Cutan Med Surg 29:185-189 Published by Elsevier Inc.

Photoprotection against ultraviolet light is an important part of our armamentarium against
actinically derived skin cancers. However, there has been concern that adherence to
photoprotection may lead to low vitamin D status, leading to negative effects on patients’
health. In this work we discuss previous findings in this area, which do not give a clear
picture as to the relationship between vitamin D levels and photoprotection measures, as
well as research performed by the authors, who did not detect a relationship between
serum 25(OH)D levels and adherence to photoprotection measures in subjects with skin
cancer, as assessed by the use of sunscreen, clothing, hats, sunglasses, and umbrellas/
shade through the Sun Protection Habits Index. Subjects who took vitamin D oral supplementation
had greater serum 25(OH)D levels than those who did not, whereas dietary
intake through foods did not predict 25(OH)D levels in the authors’ study. However, there
was a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in the authors’ study
population, highlighting the importance of assessing vitamin D status and recommending
oral vitamin D supplementation when indicated.
Semin Cutan Med Surg 29:185-189 Published by Elsevier Inc.

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