Clothing prevents ultraviolet-B radiation-dependent photosynthesis of vitamin D3.

Abstract

Photoprotection of the skin is mainly a function of clothing, although the effectiveness of the latter against UV-B solar radiation (wavelengths 290-320 nm) has not been measured in vivo. Since UV-B mediates the cutaneous formation of vitamin D3, we examined the attenuation of that photosynthetic reaction by the commonly used fabrics cotton, wool, and polyester in black and white colors. Direct transmission of UV-B was attenuated the most by black wool (98.6% of incident irradiance) and the least by white cotton (47.7%). None of the fabrics allowed the photoproduction of previtamin D3 from 7-dehydrocholesterol irradiated in vitro with up to 40 min of simulated sunlight or the elevation of serum vitamin D3 after irradiation with approximately one minimal erythema dose (MED) of UV-B in volunteers wearing jogging garments made of these fabrics. Increasing the whole body irradiation dose to six MEDs still failed to produce a serum vitamin D3 response in garment-clad subjects. Regular (seasonal) street clothing also prevented an elevation of the vitamin D3 in response to UV-B radiation. We conclude that clothing prevents or significantly impairs the formation of vitamin D3 after photostimulation with up to six MEDs of UV-B.

• Authors: L Y Matsuoka, J Wortsman, M J Dannenberg, B W Hollis, Z Lu, M F Holick
• Journal: The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism (J Clin Endocrinol Metab) Vol. 75 Issue 4 Pg. 1099-103 (Oct 1992) ISSN: 0021-972X [Print] United States
• PMID: 1328275 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Polyesters
• Cholecalciferol

Topics

• Adult
• Animals
• Cholecalciferol (biosynthesis, blood)
• Clothing
• Color
• Female
• Gossypium
• Humans
• Male
• Polyesters
• Random Allocation
• Skin (metabolism, radiation effects)
• Textiles
• Ultraviolet Rays
• Wool