Thompson MJW, et al. - Experts ascertained the association between spectrophotometrically determined constitutive melanin density, osteoporotic risk factors and potential intermediaries in a cohort of exclusively older Caucasian adults. A less photosensitive skin phenotype based on higher constitutive melanin density that permitted greater sun exposure with fewer sequelae resulting in higher 25-hydroxyvitamin D and, potentially, total body BMD was supported in the findings. Results demonstrated an independent association between higher melanin density and greater ability to tan, less propensity to sunburn, fewer lifetime sunburns, current smoking, female sex and less photodamage.