Quantifying the vitamin D₃ synthesizing potential of UVB lamps at specific distances over time

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to quantify the ultraviolet B (UVB) output and in vitro previtamin D(3) synthesis over time from various artificial light sources. Three incandescent lamps, T-Rex Active UVHeat 160 watt spot, T-Rex Active UVHeat 160 watt flood, and ZooMed PowerSun 160 watt flood, and two 1.2 m fluorescent lamps, Sylvania Blacklight 350 BL and ZooMed Reptisun 5.0, were studied. Total UVB irradiance and concentration of previtamin D synthesized using an in vitro ampoule model were quantified initially and at monthly intervals for 1 year. Incandescent lamps were measured at distances of 0.9 and 1.5 m while fluorescent lamps were measured at distances of 30.5 and 45.7 cm at the lamp's center, using both the radiometer and ampoules. Fluorescent lamp irradiance was also measured at the lamp's ends. Data were analyzed as a repeated measures split-plot in time using SAS with all mean differences determined using Least Squares Means. Incandescent lamp irradiance differences were seen at various distances. The UVHeat lamps had consistently higher previtamin D(3) production and irradiance readings compared with the PowerSun lamp. Reptisun 5.0 was consistently higher in UVB irradiance over Sylvania BL 350 at both 30.5 and 45.7 cm. However, there were no differences when comparing conversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol to previtamin D(3). Irradiance differences were detected between the centers and ends of the fluorescent lamps. Until UVB requirements for vitamin D(3) synthesis in animals are determined, it is impossible to state that one light is superior to another.

Is the natural UV zone important for successful captive propagation of the Panther Chameleon (Furcifer pardalis); are different UVB irradiance exposures that generate a similar dose equally successful?

“…We have limited knowledge of reptiles' UVB requirements (Baines et al, 2016; Schmidt et al, 2010). A few studies document a species' natural UVB irradiance exposure in the field (Baines et al, 2016; Edmonds et al, 2018; Ferguson et al, 2010).…”

Effects of different heat and light sources on the behaviour of captive reptiles

“…It is important to underpin husbandry practice with evidence, but there have been only a few studies looking at the impact of theoretical best practice on reptiles in captivity (Ferguson et al, 2010;Schmidt et al, 2010;Ferguson et al, 2021). Without evidence, heating and lighting strategies risk falling into the compass of 'folklore husbandry' (Arbuckle, 2013).…”

Development and Effect Analysis of UVB-LED General Lighting to Support Vitamin D Synthesis

“…Moreover, the introduction of portable UV light-measuring devices and smartphone applications to UVE-LED systems support the meeting of individual UV light dosage requirements [18]. Clinical trials to test the correlation between UVB and in vivo vitamin B synthesis have been implemented [19], and an experiment related to the treatment of psoriasis using medical UV light has been reported [20]. However, the experiments thus far have only been tested on small parts of the human body or on animals (mice), and have not been able to prove that UVB-LED light exposure for a given duration supports vitamin D synthesis within a closed system lacking outside light.…”