Abstract
Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent globally, even in countries that are considered to have a 'sunny' climate, such as Australia. Twenty three percent of the Australian population are considered vitamin D deficient (25(OH)D 75nmol/L). Mean 25(OH)D was significantly different across skin type groups, (F(4,93)=2.6, p=0.04) whilst average sun exposure significantly predicted 25(OH)D (F(1, 91) = 5.276, p=0.02). There was a significant but small positive correlation between 25(OH)D and total BMD, r(96) = 0.27, p=0.007. Analysis is ongoing to explore vitamin D dietary intake and prediction of vitamin D deficiency. Conclusion: Vitamin D status in this sample was found to be higher than in previous Australian studies, which is favourable given the essential role vitamin D plays in calcium homeostasis and bone health. However, further research into vitamin D dietary intake is crucial in Australia, given the increased risk of melanoma as a result of excessive sun exposure as well as the lack of naturally occurring vitamin D containing foods or fortified products in the food supply.