Benefits of ultraviolet-B irradiance and vitamin D in youth

A large and growing body of journal literature reports the health benefits of solar ultraviolet-B (UVB) irradiance and vitamin D. Most of the literature relates to the effects of vitamin D later in life, when chronic diseases are more likely to manifest and when the innate immune system is weaker, leading to increased rates of some infectious diseases. However, a significant body of literature exists on the health effects of solar UVB irradiance and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations in youth. The goal of this paper is to review representative evidence of health benefits and risks of solar UVB irradiance and vitamin D for those aged from about 5 to 18 years. The topics discussed include physical development, athletic performance, infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, metabolic syndrome, and cancer. Some of the effects of higher solar UVB irradiance and serum 25(OH)D concentrations are evident in youth, although some may become apparent later in life. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Vitamin D Workshop'. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.