Vitamin D Light side and best time of sunshine in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

• Published in: Dermato-endocrinology Vol. 5; no. 1; pp. 177 - 180
• Main Authors: Alshahrani, Fahad M., Almalki, Mussa H., Aljohani, Naji, Alzahrani, Abdullah, Alsaleh, Yousef, Holick, Michael F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Taylor & Francis 01.01.2013; Landes Bioscience
• Subjects: exposure; Riyadh, Saudi; sun; time; Vitamin D; time; Vitamin D; exposure; sun; Riyadh, Saudi
• ISSN: 1938-1972; 1938-1980; 1938-1980
• DOI: 10.4161/derm.23351

Low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D have been documented among inhabitants of the wider Middle East and North African countries. Sunlight has long been recognized as a major provider of vitamin D. In this study we aimed to determine the optimum time for sun exposure in the Central region of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Ampoules containing 7-dehydrocholesterol in ethanol were exposed to sunlight every hour starting from sunrise until sunset in July and December. Our results demonstrated that the time of the day has a major influence in vitamin D production. In this study, summer production of previtamin D 3 was observed to occur between 8:00 PM to 4:00 PM with peak hours between 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. During wintertime however, the conversion began later at around 9:30 AM and ended sooner at 2:00 PM, with peak hours at 10:00 AM to 12 noon. In conclusion, the optimum time to get sun exposure for vitamin D 3 production in Riyadh, during summer is from 9:00 AM and before 10:30 AM, as well as after 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM, while during winter it's from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM. These times are important on a public health perspective, as it's free, relatively safe and the most enjoyable. This strategy is a highly efficacious way for improving the vitamin D status for children and adults and preventing vitamin D deficiency.