Environmental Influences on Vitamin D Status (Alaska/Hawaii)

• 2. To collect information on variables that influence Vitamin D status such to collect information on skin color, history of sun exposure and sunscreen use, diet history, vitamin and calcium supplements used, and BMI. [ Time Frame: cross sectional ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
• To collect a blood sample for DNA analysis of inter-individual differences in Vitamin D metabolism (Gc or Vitamin D binding protein alleles). [ Time Frame: cross sectional ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem. The principal source of vitamin D for humans is solar exposure, with cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D by photoconversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol in the skin to pre-vitamin D3. Latitude, altitude, season, skin pigmentation, and age are recognized factors that influence how much vitamin D can be made by solar exposure. However, the relative influences of each are largely unknown and we cannot reliably answer the question of how much sun exposure an individual needs at various latitudes and at various seasons in order to ensure normal vitamin D status.

Purpose of the study: To determine the effect of environmental influences on Vitamin D status.

Specific Aims

1. To measure the prevailing 25D and Vitamin D levels in communities at diverse latitudes (Alaska and Hawaii).
2. To collect information on variables that influence Vitamin D status such as skin color, history of sun exposure and sunscreen use, diet history, vitamin and calcium supplements used, and BMI.
3. To collect typical food samples from the region for future analysis of their Vitamin D and 25D content.
4. To collect a blood sample for DNA analysis of inter-individual differences in Vitamin D metabolism (Gc or Vitamin D binding protein alleles).

Age of Subjects: The subjects will be between ages 18-60. The upper age is limited to age 60 as aging skin is less able to make vitamin D, therefore a separate study of elderly people would be more appropriate.

Racial and Ethnic Origin: Both sites have a diverse ethnic and racial population and the subjects will be as representative of the population as possible.

• Alaska residents
  50 "healthy" community dwelling males or females.
• Hawaiian residents
  50 "healthy" community dwelling males or females at each site

Inclusion Criteria:

• Able to consent and come for a study visit. Male or female males and females ages 18-60.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unable to consent or come to a visit, taking Vitamin D supplements, anticonvulsants, barbiturates, steroids, having granulomatous disease, or liver or kidney disease as these medications and conditions interfere with Vitamin D metabolism.