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Fair-skinned people 'require more vitamin D'

4 October 2011 Last updated at 12:03 BST

Fair-skinned people who are prone to sunburn may need to take supplements to ensure they get enough vitamin D, say experts.

It appears that those with pale skin, while not deficient, may still be lacking in the essential vitamin that the body makes from sunlight.

The Cancer Research UK-funded team say that even with a lot of sun exposure, those with fair skin may not be able to make enough vitamin D.

Richard Westcott reports.