Development of Non-invasive Method for Quantifying Vitamin D Levels in the Body Using Spectroscopy

Lack in vitamin D reduces the absorption of calcium in the body, accelerates bone loss and may increase the risk of fractures due to osteoporosis. Vitamin D can be ingested by foods and specific supplements, but the main source for the vitamin is its synthesis in the skin by using sun radiation. Today, quantification of vitamin D levels is performed using a blood test. Mostly, the physician will send the patient to check the levels and vitamin D if he suffers from osteoporosis, hypertension, renal impairment, suspected for activity of the thyroid gland, tuberculosis or sarcoidosis.

Studies have shown that it is possible to quantify the different elements in the contents of the blood, such as melanin and hemoglobin, using spectroscopy of the skin (Zonios et al, 2001; Tseng et al, 2009), but to the investigators' knowledge, the identification of levels and vitamin D in similar means has not been reported in professional literature.

The rationale for this research: an algorithm that will allow immediate and non-invasive quantification of vitamin D levels will shorten the time of diagnosis, reduce lab costs and prevent hazards or discomfort to the patient associated with a blood test.

The goal of this study is therefore to develop a non-invasive method for quantifying vitamin D levels in the body using spectroscopy.

Methods: