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	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

To the Editor: Dr Robinson¹ wrote a commentary on an abstract from Archives of Dermatology, which discussed sun exposure patterns, sunscreen use, and vitamin D. The Commentary provided insight into behavioral patterns and concern for the increasing incidence of skin cancer, but did not convey the scope of vitamin D deficiency in developed countries, the widespread lack of fundamental knowledge about this problem in the health care community, or the need for substantially more investigation about this basic human need.

Vitamin D deficiency remains poorly defined.² Current estimates are that older individuals typically require at least 1300 IU/d of cholecalciferol and that traditional recommendations are inadequate for all ages.³ Supplementation guidelines for vitamin D were increased earlier this year to 1000 IU/d for persons older than 70 years.⁴ Numerous questions remain unanswered not just about optimal dosing but about the fundamental effects of vitamin D on multiple organ systems.⁵

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James Grote, MD
grotejames@hotmail.com
Pittsfield, Ill

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Sun Exposure, Sun Protection, and Vitamin D
June K. Robinson
JAMA. 2005;294(12):1541-1543.
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