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01-12-2017 | Original Article

Sunscreens block cutaneous vitamin D production with only a minimal effect on circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D

Authors: Florence Libon, Justine Courtois, Caroline Le Goff, Pierre Lukas, Neus Fabregat-Cabello, Laurence Seidel, Etienne Cavalier, Arjen F. Nikkels

Published in: Archives of Osteoporosis | Issue 1/2017

Abstract

Summary

A 50+ SPF sunscreen decreased significantly cutaneous vitamin D production following a single narrow-band (nb)UVB exposure, independently from the body surface area exposed. In contrast, the circulating 25(OH)D₃ levels were only minimally affected. It is probable that another endogenous source of precursors is selected when skin-originated precursors are lacking.

Purpose

Sunscreen use, highly advocated for preventing cutaneous carcinogenesis, is potentially leading to an aggravation of vitamin D deficiency with its consequences on bone health. The effect of sunscreens on circulating vitamin D levels remains debated. This study investigated the effect of sunscreen on cutaneous vitamin D production and circulating 25(OH)D₃ levels, according to different body surface areas (BSA).

Methods

Vitamin D and 25(OH)D₃ levels were measured in four groups exposed to a single nbUVB exposure on 9% (group I: head and hands), 23% (group II: head, hands and arms), 50% (group III: head, hands, arms and legs) and 96% (group IV: total body) of the body surface without and with a 50+ sun protection factor sunscreen.

Results

Sunscreen use decreased by 83, 88.3, 75.7 and 92.5% the cutaneous vitamin D production in groups I to IV, respectively, but only by 13.2, 10.5, 7.7 and 10.4% the values of circulating 25(OH)D_3, correspondingly.

Conclusions

Although a 50+ sunscreen decreases significantly cutaneous vitamin D production following a single nbUVB exposure, and independently from the BSA, the circulating 25(OH)D₃ levels were only minimally affected. This could be explained by a switch to another endogenous source of precursors. Short-term sunscreen use probably does not affect circulating vitamin D levels and hence does not increase the risk for osteoporosis. The effect of long-term sunscreen use remains however to be determined.

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Title: Sunscreens block cutaneous vitamin D production with only a minimal effect on circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D
Authors: Florence Libon
Justine Courtois
Caroline Le Goff
Pierre Lukas
Neus Fabregat-Cabello
Laurence Seidel
Etienne Cavalier
Arjen F. Nikkels
Publication date: 01-12-2017
Publisher: Springer London
Published in: Archives of Osteoporosis / Issue 1/2017
Print ISSN: 1862-3522
Electronic ISSN: 1862-3514
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11657-017-0361-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Sunscreens block cutaneous vitamin D production with only a minimal effect on circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D

Abstract

Summary

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Summary

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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