Two methods for direct assessment of the Vitamin D synthetic capacity of sunlight and artificial UV sources

Excessive UV exposures are commonly associated with adverse health effects, but proper amounts of UV are beneficial for people and essential in the natural production of Vitamin D(3) in skin. Two methods have been developed for direct evaluation of the Vitamin D synthetic capacity of sunlight (and artificial UV sources). The first one uses an in vitro model of Vitamin D(3) synthesis (ethanol solution of 7-dehydrocholesterol, 7-DHC), and concentration of previtamin D(3) accumulated during an UV exposure is determined using specially designed spectrophotometric analysis. The second method utilizes photoisomerization of provitamin D in nematic liquid crystalline (LC) matrix, and visual estimation of accumulated previtamin D becomes possible due to special design of a LC cell. This user-friendly method is appropriate for personal UV dosimetry and may have wide application in tanning saloons, in clinical dermatology and UV therapy.