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. 2016 Aug 26;16(1):892.
doi: 10.1186/s12889-016-3582-z.

Investigating the patterns and determinants of seasonal variation in vitamin D status in Australian adults: the Seasonal D Cohort Study

Laura King  1 , Keith Dear  2 , Simone L Harrison  3 , Ingrid van der Mei  4 , Alison M Brodie  5   6 , Michael G Kimlin  5   6 , Robyn M Lucas  7
Affiliations

Investigating the patterns and determinants of seasonal variation in vitamin D status in Australian adults: the Seasonal D Cohort Study

Laura King et al. BMC Public Health. .

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D status generally varies seasonally with changing solar UVB radiation, time in the sun, amount of skin exposed, and, possibly, diet. The Seasonal D Study was designed to quantify the amplitude and phase of seasonal variation in the serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, (25OH)D)) and identify the determinants of the amplitude and phase and those of inter-individual variability in seasonal pattern.

Methods: The Seasonal D Study collected data 2-monthly for 12 months, including demographics, personal sun exposure using a diary and polysulphone dosimeters over 7 days, and blood for serum 25(OH)D concentration. The study recruited 333 adults aged 18-79 years living in Canberra (35°S, n = 168) and Brisbane (27°South, n = 165), Australia.

Discussion: We report the study design and cohort description for the Seasonal D Study. The study has collected a wealth of data to examine inter- and intra-individual seasonal variation in vitamin D status and serum 25(OH)D levels in Australian adults.

Keywords: Adult; Australia; Cohort; Determinants; Season; Vitamin D.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Variation in ambient UV radiation according to southerly latitude (in degrees) across the months of 2003 (data on ambient UV radiation from the TOMS satellite [18])
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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