Cyclic Changes of Vitamin D and PTH are Primarily Regulated by Solar Radiation: 5-Year Analysis of a German (50° N) Population

J. Reusch; H. Ackermann; K. Badenhoop

doi:10.1055/s-0028-1128131

Hormone and Metabolic Research, Table of Contents

Horm Metab Res 2009; 41(5): 402-407
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1128131

Humans, Clinical

Cyclic Changes of Vitamin D and PTH are Primarily Regulated by Solar Radiation: 5-Year Analysis of a German (50° N) Population

J. Reusch¹ , H. Ackermann² , K. Badenhoop¹

¹Department of Internal Medicine I, Division Endocrinology, J. W. Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
²Department of Biomathematics, J. W. Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany

Abstract

Cutaneous vitamin D precursor production depends on UV-exposure and is ineffective in most regions above latitudes of 50° in winter. We hypothesized whether the cyclic course of vitamin D levels can be modelled with sunshine duration and would affect parathyroid hormone concentrations, but not calcium in a large patient population. We investigated 13330 blood samples from 6099 in- and out patients for 25(OH)D₃, 1,25(OH)₂D₃, PTH, and total Ca in Frankfurt, Germany over 6.5 years. Vitamin D deficiency [25(OH)D₃ <10 ng/ml] was found in 12.23% and vitamin D insufficiency [25(OH)D₃ <20 ng/ml] in 40.62% of all the blood samples and more frequently during winter. We observed a significant difference between men and women, children and adults, migrants and local residents. Cycling of the curve was significantly related to Julian day for 25(OH)D₃ and parathyroid hormone (PTH), but not for 1,25(OH)₂D₃ and Ca. The peak concentration of 25(OH)D₃ was found at Aug 16th and correlated well with the length of day whereas PTH is inversely related with 25(OH)D₃. Seasonal cycling of 25(OH)D₃-levels correlated significantly with Julian Day and inversely with PTH. This tight feed back ensures stable Ca concentrations within narrow limits. We conclude that changes in vitamin D levels are mainly regulated by solar radiation and to a lesser degree by other factors such as nutrition.

Key words

UV radiation - seasonal variations - colecalciferol - calcium - parathyroid hormone

Full Text

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Correspondence

J. Reusch

Department of Internal Medicine I

Division Endocrinology

J. W. Goethe University

Theodor-Stern-Kai 7

69590 Frankfurt/Main

Germany

Phone: +49/69/6301 52 93

Fax: +49/69/6301 78 17

Email: juergen.reusch@kgu.de