9:54a.m. 30th October 2007

| By Mark Furler

Despite contant warnings about us getting too much sun, a Queensland expert has warned that many older Australians risk serious health problems by not getting enough.

David Borradale, from QUT's Australian Sun and Health Research Laboratory is looking for men and women over 60 who live on the Sunshine Coast, to take part in a study investigating whether or not Queenslanders are Vitamin D deficient.

"Vitamin D deficiency is a serious health problem which impacts bone health and muscle function," he said.

"It is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis and falls, and there is also emerging evidence that Vitamin D may also play a role in reducing the risk of certain cancers and autoimmune disease risk."

Mr Borradale said participants in the study would be required to attend a session to be held on the Sunshine Coast.

"At this session a blood test will be taken to determine each participant's Vitamin D status," he said.

"Participants will also be expected to fill in a questionnaire about their sun exposure and sun protection methods, as well as undergo tests to determine their muscle function."

At the end of the testing, participants will walk away with an extensive report of their Vitamin D status.

Mr Borradale said an important part of his study would be to investigate the link between Vitamin D and muscle strength in older Australians, as well as assess the impact sun exposure and dietary intake of Vitamin D had on a person's Vitamin D status.

He said 90 to 95 per cent of a person's Vitamin D intake was sourced from the sun.

"This means if people are not getting enough sun exposure they may be Vitamin D deficient, however we cannot forget that we live in the skin cancer capital of the world here in Queensland - so sun safe practices are important," he said.

"Research has shown that Vitamin D supplements can reduce fall risk by an average of 22 per cent in older adults and this is linked to improved muscle strength and function."

Volunteers wanting to take part in the study should contact David Borradale by emailing d.borradale@qut.edu.au or phoning 0405 804 680.

Mr Borradale's research is being supervised by QUT Associate Professor Michael Kimlin.