Consensus Statement on Vitamin D and Sun Exposure in New Zealand

The purpose of this statement is to clarify and ensure consistent messages on vitamin D and sun exposure.

Vitamin D is important to bone health and muscle function. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets in children and osteoporosis and osteomalacia in adults. The main source of vitamin D is exposure to the sun. However, sun exposure can also lead to skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer.

The statement updates sun protection advice, identifies those most at risk of vitamin D deficiency, recommends intitating treatment based on risk profile rather than blood tests, and establishes new definitions of acceptable vitamin D blood levels.