Intermittent ultraviolet B exposure increases plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in blue-tongued skinks (Tiliqua scincoides).

Intermittent 2-hour UVB exposure every 3 or 7 days significantly elevates vitamin D3 in captive blue-tongued skinks.

This prospective, randomized experimental study investigated whether intermittent UVB exposure could effectively elevate and maintain plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OHD3) concentrations in blue-tongued skinks (Tiliqua scincoides), a commonly kept reptile species. Eleven subadult skinks were divided into two groups: six received 2-hour UVB exposures every 3 days for 30 days, while five controls received no UVB. Subsequently, the control group underwent a crossover protocol receiving 2-hour UVB exposures every 7 days for 28 days. Plasma 25-OHD3 was quantified via chemiluminescent immunoassay at baseline and post-exposure intervals. Both exposure regimens produced statistically significant, dose-dependent increases in 25-OHD3. The every-3-day protocol resulted in a dramatic elevation of median concentrations from 17 to 587.5 nmol/L, while the every-7-day protocol produced a more modest but still significant increase from 23 to 51 nmol/L. Notably, even newly replaced bulbs in the 7-day group achieved significant elevation. These findings demonstrate that continuous daily UVB exposure is not required to maintain adequate vitamin D3 photosynthesis in this species, and that intermittent therapeutic dosing is a viable husbandry strategy. The authors acknowledge the small sample size and the current lack of established species-specific 25-OHD3 reference intervals as limitations. This study provides foundational data to guide evidence-based UVB supplementation protocols for captive blue-tongued skinks and potentially other reptile species, while minimizing risks associated with prolonged artificial UVB exposure.

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