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Vitamin D and Sunlight

In a sunny country such as Australia, it’s important to identify how to achieve the right amount of sun exposure for good health. We need to be able to harness the benefits of vitamin D and sunlight while remaining protected from the proven dangers of too much UV radiation.

Mapping the citation network on vitamin D research in Australia: a data-driven approach

Vitamin D research can vary geographically, as vitamin D status is influenced by latitude, season, dietary intake, body mass index, ethnicity, and public health initiatives. Over the last two decades, research on vitamin D has increased in Australia, where the potential for sun exposure (a major source of vitamin D) is high. We aimed to identify key topics and gaps in vitamin D research in Australia using a data-driven approach.

A longitudinal examination of perinatal testosterone, estradiol and vitamin D as predictors of handedness outcomes in childhood and adolescence

The developmental origins of handedness remain elusive, though very early emergence suggests individual differences manifesting in utero could play an important role. Prenatal testosterone and Vitamin D exposure are considered, yet findings and interpretations remain equivocal.

A Gender Lens on User Quality Ratings From Young Teenagers Assessing the Sun Safe App: Comparing Responses From Co-researchers and Participants of Pilot Intervention Studies

We developed the iOS smartphone app Sun Safe to support healthy sun practices in young teenagers (aged 12-13 years). The production involved co-design with young co-researchers (ie, aged 12-13 years) with a health message of using sun protection when the UV index is ≥3. Important features include real-time and location-specific weather data on the UV index and gamified educational content.

Government funding for innovative sun safety online tool for teens

The Kids researcher Dr Shelley Gorman has received a Healthway grant to develop an online tool to promote safe sun behaviours to teenagers.

UV and Vitamin D

Researchers at The Kids Research Institute Australia are continuing to hone in on the effects of ultraviolet radiation and vitamin D on the immune system.

Sun safe: balancing the risks and benefits

The D-Light program, set up in 2014, aims to shed light on the amount of sun exposure that will promote good health in children and adolescents.

Research symposium to hear how sunscreens proved no threat to vitamin D production in recent European study

Leading international and national experts will gather at The Kids Research Institute Australia on Friday for a D-Light Research Symposium.

Vitamin D link to depression in mothers

Research by The Kids Research Institute Australia shows a link between low vitamin D during pregnancy and post-natal depression.

Sunlight link to obesity and diabetes

Researchers from The Kids Research Institute Australia and Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research have found that small regular doses of sunlight suppress the develo