Abstract

Past research has shown that certain shadedenvironments (e.g. shade umbrellas, gazebos, patios) canbe used to obtain the necessary levels of UV exposure forthe synthesis of vitamin D. This paper discusses the levels ofsolar ultraviolet radiation during summer at specific midlatitudes in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres andhow this relates to the physiologic production of vitamin Din the human body. Specifically, the sites of London (UK)and Hobart (Australia) are utilised. It was found that insummer at these mid latitudes vitamin D synthesis could beinitiated in as little as 2 minutes in full sun and 6 minuteswhen in the shade.