A new light therapy device, the Solius Pro, is offering an alternative to sunlight and supplements for vitamin D production, touting "personalized sunlight" through controlled UVB wavelengths. The device, which has received FDA clearance for over-the-counter use for individuals aged 22 and older, delivers a targeted dose of UVB light to the skin for approximately five minutes once a week.
Vitamin D is crucial for calcium and phosphorus absorption, supporting bone health, immune function, muscle and nerve function, and reducing inflammation. However, a significant portion of the U.S. population experiences vitamin D deficiency. A study in Nutrition Research found that 41.6% of American adults are deficient, with higher rates among Black (82.1%) and Hispanic (69.2%) individuals. Factors such as skin tone, sun exposure duration, time of day, season, and geographic location all influence how much vitamin D can be synthesized from sunlight.
The Solius Pro aims to address these variables by measuring skin tone before each session to calibrate a personalized UVB dose. Unlike natural sunlight, which contains 95% UVA rays and 5% UVB rays, the Solius Pro isolates UVB, the wavelength responsible for stimulating vitamin D production while minimizing exposure to UVA, which is linked to skin aging and wrinkles, and to a lesser extent, skin cancer.
Solius Labs CEO Chris Kiple stated that the device provides the health benefits associated with sunlight while significantly reducing unnecessary UV exposure. The company also suggests their method bypasses potential issues with supplements, such as digestion and malabsorption challenges.
Safety measures integrated into the device include mandatory protective eyewear use, continuous monitoring of positioning and distance, and user feedback prompts for dose adjustment. The system also locks out after a session is completed to prevent overuse. These features, validated through clinical studies, allowed the FDA to create a new product code (SGZ) for the device.
Despite these technological advancements, some dermatologists remain cautious. Dr. Geeta Yadav, founder of FACET Dermatology, noted that while narrowband UVB phototherapy is a recognized treatment for skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema, its application as a vitamin D booster for healthy individuals is less established. She pointed out that UVB directly damages skin cell DNA and is typically used under medical supervision, not as a general wellness tool.
Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya of Dermatology Circle PLLC echoed these concerns, stating that specialized UVB panels are likely unnecessary for most healthy people. She raised broader concerns about the increasing medicalization of normal healthy activities and reminded that all ultraviolet radiation carries risks.
Experts like Dr. Brynna Connor suggest that vitamin D supplements, after consulting with a doctor and potentially undergoing blood tests, or consuming vitamin D-rich foods such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and beef liver, are more conventional and potentially safer approaches for most individuals. The Solius Pro device and a lifetime membership are currently priced at $2995, with a post-launch monthly membership fee of $10 or an annual charge of $100.
Solius reports that users have seen an average 76% increase in vitamin D levels, along with claimed improvements in metabolism, immune function, cardiovascular health, and mood. However, the long-term efficacy and necessity of such a device for the general population remain subjects of ongoing discussion among health professionals.