Vitamin D Supplementation Does Not Improve the Severity or the Resolution of Ultraviolet B-Induced Acute Erythema.

BACKGROUND: Whether vitamin D supplementation alleviates the severity of ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced erythema and/or facilitates its resolution remains undetermined.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of oral vitamin D on UVB-induced erythema and its resolution in fair-skinned subjects.

METHODS: UVB-induced erythema was quantified using a Chroma Meter® in 50 volunteers 48 h before and 10 days after the random administration of 200,000 IU vitamin D (n = 40) or placebo (n = 10). Resolution of erythema in both groups was assessed by chromametry 24, 48, and 72 h after vitamin D administration.

RESULTS: No statistical difference between erythema values before and after administration in the vitamin D-supplemented group (p = 0.44) or the placebo group (p = 0.34) was noted. No statistical difference was evident between both groups with respect to resolution of erythema (p = 0.30).

CONCLUSION: Oral vitamin D supplementation neither improves protection against UVB-induced erythema nor facilitates its resolution.