Apparatus and Method for Producing Vitamin D in a Person

Abstract

A kit for enhancing production of Vitamin D within a person's skin includes a source of Vitamin D, a sunlight exposure indicator, and a sunscreen. Vitamin D, for example, cod liver oil, is applied to the skin topically via a patch or towlette, or ingested orally. The exposure indicator is worn by the user and changes its state to indicate that the person has been exposed to sunlight for a predetermined period of time. The user preferably waits a sufficient time for the Vitamin D to be absorbed into the skin, and then exposes his or her skin to direct sunlight, and monitors the exposure indicator to determine if it has changed state. The user applies the sunscreen to the user's skin after the exposure indicator changes state.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates generally to Vitamin D production in the human body, and more particularly, to a method and related kit to facilitate the safe production of Vitamin D in the human body.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Vitamin D includes Vitamin D-2 (ergocalciferol) and Vitamin D-3 (cholecalciferol). Vitamin D-3 is produced in human skin when it is exposed to ultraviolet B radiation present in sunlight. Vitamin D is known to regulate calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood. Vitamin D contributes to bone growth by helping bones absorb calcium. Lack of adequate Vitamin D can result in bone softening diseases, including rickets and osteomalacia. Osteomalacia, sometimes called “the adult form of rickets”, causes a softening of the bones, joint pain, and a propensity for bone fractures. Even in the absence of osteomalacia, persons with inadequate Vitamin D intake may experience osteoporosis, also ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0019]Briefly described, and in accordance with one preferred embodiment thereof, the present invention relates to a method for enhancing production of Vitamin D within a person's skin while protecting the person from excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays of the sun, the method including the steps of first administering Vitamin D to the person. This step of administering Vitamin D preferably includes the step of applying Vitamin D topically to the person's skin; alternatively, the Vitamin D may be administered orally to the person. The method

Problems solved by technology

Lack of adequate Vitamin D can result in bone softening diseases, including rickets and osteomalacia.

Even in the absence of osteomalacia, persons with inadequate Vitamin D intake may experience osteoporosis, also associated with joint pain, loss of bone density, and increased bone fragility.

While exposure to sunlight produces Vitamin D, over-exposure to sunlight poses its own risks, including skin cancer.

As already explained, this can lead to severe osteoporosis, and increased rates of certain types of cancers.

The problem, however, is that the combination of Vitamin D in the same carrier as the sunscreen will necessarily prevent the Vitamin D to be absorbed into the skin before the sunscreen begins blocking out the sun's UVB rays.

However, there does not appear to be available an effective and convenient method or apparatus to facilitate production of Vitamin D in the skin while protecting the user from skin damage that often results from overexposure to UVB rays of the sun.

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