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Introduction. The limited outdoor activity of contemporary people results in deficiency of vitamin D. An adequate vitamin D level cannot be achieved due to random insolation. A scenario of pro-healthy outdoor behavior is needed that takes into account climatic conditions in Poland. Objective. To present the outdoor activity scenario in Poland for people with phototype II and III to get an adequate vitamin D3 dose without the risk of erythema. Material and methods. The paper presents the results of mathematical simulations of UV doses received by persons with phototype II and III in the spring/summer season in Poland (Jastrzębia Góra, Zakopane). The following scenarios are examined: using all the time a sunscreen with SPF30, short sunbathing without photo-protection and application of a sunscreen with SPF30 for the rest of the day. Results. During late spring and summer in Poland it is possible to get a vitamin D3 dose of 2000 IU due to solar radiation without the risk of erythema. For persons with phototype II and III short (20-30 min) nearnoon exposure without photo-protection then application of sunscreen with SPF30 for the rest of the time spent outdoors is recommended. Clothing should allow insolation of at least 1/4 of the whole skin area. Conclusions. Avoiding near-noon solar radiation or using sunscreens with high SPF always while staying on the sun does not allow one to obtain a proper vitamin D status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alopecia areata is an inflammatory disease with noncicatricial hair loss. Despite its high prevalence in the dermatological patient population, the pathogenesis is not sufficiently understood. In recent years, the contribution of autoimmune processes has been emphasized, as indicated by the presence of autoantibodies against hair follicle antigens and inflammatory cell infiltrates with increased expression of cytokines around the hair follicle. Vitamin D performs many important functions in the human body - is responsible for maintaining calcium homeostasis but is also an important regulator of the immune response. It acts mainly via the nuclear vitamin D receptor located on the surface of dendritic cells, macrophages, B and T cells, keratinocytes and cells of the hair follicle papillae. Vitamin D suppresses the immune system cells, and its deficiency may be important in pathophysiological phenomena in alopecia areata. According to current data, vitamin D supplementation may be a therapeutic option worth considering in patients with alopecia areata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin D is a well-known factor necessary for the proper functioning of the mineral and bone metabolism. Its deficiency plays a well documented role in the pathogenesis of diseases common for endocrinology, gynecology and rheumatology, such as rickets, osteomalacia and osteoporosis. The main source of vitamin D in humans is cutaneous synthesis. Despite the lack of commonly accepted definition of an "optimal" levels of serum vitamin D, many published papers have reported high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D all over the world. Polish experts recommend implementing the populational strategy of vitamin D supplementation in adults. Postmenopausal women constitute the particulary important group in this context - in this cohort supplementation with vitamin D was beneficial in vertebral and non-vertebral risk reduction. Indirectly, proper vitamin D supply reduces the risk of falling, which is also risk factors for osteroporotic fracture. There is also increasing data on the numerous extraskeletal actions of this fat-soluble vitamin i.a in modulating the immune response, inhibiting neoplasmatic growth, influence on blood pressure and blood glucose level. Hipovitaminosis D has been also linked with increased cardiovascular risk and mortality. Molecular background of these associations remains under dispute. Despite the lack of conclusive data on the effects of cholecalciferol supplementation on the development of these processes, data from observational and cross-sectional studies linking hypovitaminosis D with several pathologies are quite convincing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin D supplementation plays an important role in the skeleton and calcium metabolism. The results of studies published in the 21st century suggest that vitamin D supports the function of the heart, brain, muscle and plays an important role in cancer (e.g. breast, colorectal, prostate cancer). Serum concentration of 25-OHD is a biomarker of the vitamin D status. The optimal concentration of 25-OHD is between 30 and 80 ng/ml. The daily dose of vitamin D should be between 800 and 1000 IU. For adults, vitamin D supplementation is suggested from October to March. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]