Target the message: a qualitative study exploring knowledge and cultural attitudes to sunlight and vitamin D in Greater Manchester, U.K

Vitamin D is vital for musculoskeletal health and has been associated with protection against several internal cancers and auto-immune diseases. Skin synthesis following exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in sunlight is the major source of the vitamin, with diet providing only small amounts. Skin synthesis requires sunlight exposure containing sufficient UVB to initiate vitamin D synthesis, which precludes the winter months at mid-high latitudes, including the UK. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.