Subliminal ultraviolet-B irradiation for the prevention of vitamin D deficiency in the elderly: a feasibility study

Aim: To investigate whether daily subliminal ultraviolet-B irradiation in e lderly subjects can maintain a normal vitamin D status. Material and methods: In an open, uncontrolled study, 10 residents (four me n and six women), mean age on entry of 83 years (range 65-97 years), from a residential nursing home in County Durham, England, were exposed daily to an artificial source of ultraviolet-B radiation equivalent to 15 min of sum mer sunshine. The change in plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels following irr adiation was measured, Results: Improvement in the vitamin D status of the elderly residents was a chieved with no change in their routine and with no intervention on the par t of carers. Conclusions: On the basis of this small pilot study we conclude that sublim inal ultraviolet-B irradiation may be effective in maintaining vitamin D st atus in elderly people at a lower cost than that of using oral vitamin D su pplementation. Further controlled studies are needed before this technique can be recommended to change health policy with regard to the vitamin D sta tus of institutionalised elderly people.