Effect of seasonal ultraviolet radiation fluctuations on vitamin D homeostasis during an Antarctic expedition

Antarctica is a unique and challenging environment where members of expeditions face a range of conditions not normally experienced. Ultraviolet (uv) radiation levels show marked variation during the year. The 25-hydroxy metabolite of vitamin D 25(OH)D] is largely produced by sunlight and shows a yearly variation in concentration that corresponds to uv radiation levels. The active metabolite 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 1,25(OH)2D] does not generally show any such variation provided 25(OH)D concentrations are sufficient. Previous studies have shown a seasonal variation in 25(OH)D with a significant winter drop. No other study of 1,25(OH)2D has been reported on members of Antarctic expeditions. A group of 19 men wintering at Davis Station (68° 34 S) had four blood samples taken at 3-monthly intervals beginning in the Antarctic summer. Analysis for 25(OH)D showed a drop in concentration for each of the latter three sampling periods (P < 0.005). This correlated with uv radiation levels and would suggest that endogenous production of 25(OH)D ceases for at least the duration of the Antarctic winter. There were no significant alterations in 1,25(OH)2D or calcium concentrations over the same period. Providing that individuals with pre-existing vitamin D deficiencies are detected before departure for Antarctica and missions are limited in duration, clinical deficiency is unlikely to occur.