Evaluation of a novel light-emitting diode device for producing vitamin D

..................................................................................................................... vii TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................... ix LIST OF TABLES ............................................................................................................. xi LIST OF FIGURES .......................................................................................................... xii LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS .......................................................................................... xiv INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 1 Evolutionary Perspective of Vitamin D ...................................................................... 1 Vitamin D Sources ...................................................................................................... 2 Photobiology of Vitamin D ......................................................................................... 3 Metabolism of Vitamin D ........................................................................................... 7 Vitamin D Deficiency and Health Outcomes ............................................................. 8 Potential Use of UV Light-Emitting Diodes for Vitamin D Deficiency .................. 11 Goals of this Thesis ................................................................................................... 12