The ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight can have harmful effects on the body. Still, they’re vital for producing vitamin D. Scientists from Japan’s Nagoya University have demonstrated that UV LEDs could offer a safer alternative to sunlight when it’s not available in sufficient amounts.
Vitamin D
Among other benefits, vitamin D helps reduce the loss of muscle mass and bone density, particularly in older people. The vitamin can be consumed in supplement form, but it’s most effective when the body naturally generates it via sunlight exposure.
However, people who live in northern latitudes, such as Canada and Russia, may have a tough time getting enough sunlight during the wintertime, especially when the daylight hours are reduced. Also, individuals with less mobility – such as the disabled or elderly – may have difficulty catching those rays often or long enough for sufficient UV exposure.
On the contrary, excessive exposure is linked to health problems such as premature aging of the skin and skin cancer.
The Study
With this dilemma in mind, the Japanese scientists conducted a study that involved determining the minimum dose and intensity of UV light required to produce adequate vitamin D production in mice.
The team genetically altered the mice to age at an accelerated rate and exposed them twice a week to UV LEDs that were set to those levels, while a control group received no UV exposure. After 12 weeks, the UV-exposed mice had higher blood serum vitamin D levels and increased strength, muscle mass, and bone density. Most importantly, there were no signs of skin damage.
The study was published on July 17, 2020, in the journal Scientific Reports.
Conclusion
Now, the team is working on developing a portable UV LED device for humans. It will primarily be intended for use by the elderly to prevent or cure osteosarcopenia, a syndrome that involves loss of bone density and muscle mass.
Prof. Yoshihiro Nishida, the study’s lead scientist, concluded:
With this device, all elderly people will be able to get enough vitamin D, the same amount or more than from sunlight, in an easy and safe manner at low cost. It could be a promising approach for the prevention and treatment of this disease.
Other Sources Of Vitamin D
While sunlight is the best-known source of Vitamin D, it’s also found in some food, including:
- Oily fish – such as salmon, sardines, tuna, herring, and mackerel
- Red meat
- Liver
- Egg yolks
- Some mushrooms
- Fortified foods – including some milk, yogurt, fat spreads, and breakfast cereals
