Older adults sought for new skin ageing research on sunlight exposure and vitamin D
16 May 2016
New University of Manchester research will look at vitamin D and sun exposure levels in the UK’s ageing population.
Dermatologist Professor Lesley Rhodes will lead the study funded by the Dunhill Medical Trust on how effective sunlight is at increasing the body’s vitamin D level in older people.
Professor Rhodes, Dr Mark Farrar and colleagues are recruiting 125 healthy adult volunteers aged 65-84 for the study which will take place over 7 months between September 2016 and March 2017 at Salford Royal Hospital. People with white skin are required for this study.
Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and the maintenance of healthy bones with severe vitamin D deficiency leading to increased risk of fractures in later life. Most of the body’s vitamin D is made through the skin following exposure to sunlight, with a small amount coming from our diet.
Researchers want to see how much vitamin D is made through natural sunlight in summer and in winter. A group of the volunteers will also be given a course of simulated sunlight (UV) exposures. Volunteers must be able to make their way to Salford Royal Hospital, reimbursement will be provided for travel costs, and time and inconvenience involved. The study has been approved by a University of Manchester Research Ethics Committee.
To take part in this study please contact Jo Osman, Senior Research Nurse, Photobiology Unit, Salford Royal Hospital Tel: 0161 206 0457 joanne.osman@manchester.ac.uk
Further details available: