European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety

Objectives: Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in India across all age groups despite sufficient sunlight. The aim of this study was to compare two interventions: sun exposure and supplementation in improving vitamin D status.

Methods: Eighty-eight young women aged 17-22 years studying at Delhi University were enrolled in the study. At baseline socioeconomic data was collected, weight and height were measured and blood sample taken for estimation of vitamin D status. Participants were then randomised into three groups: Group S (weekly supplementation of 60,000 IU cholecalciferol for two weeks, Group E (30 minutes of daily January sun exposure of face, arms and legs for two weeks) and Group C (no intervention or control). End study blood samples were collected to estimate plasma 25 hydroxy-vitamin D3 (25OHD) levels.

Results: Seventy-one women completed the study, 13 refused to continue and four did not provide final samples. Mean age and BMI were 19.9+1.6 years and 22.1+3 kg/m², respectively. Overall baseline plasma 25OHD levels were 14.1+10.3 nmol/L.

Vitamin D supplementation significantly improved the vitamin D status (46.5+19.3 nmol/L; p<0.001) after two weeks but no difference was observed in the sun exposure group (12.5+2.9 nmol/L) or the intervention/control group (17.7+29.9 nmol/L).

Conclusions: Weekly vitamin D supplementation (60,000 IU) for two weeks significantly improved vitamin D status of young adult women whereas daily sun exposure of half hour for two weeks did not show any effect.