About dminder

The Problem

Studies show that 80% of Americans are Vitamin D deficient. The risks of deficiency include diabetes, heart disease, and depression, while the benefits of sufficient levels range from improved cardiovascular health to better immune function. Recent studies indicate that optimizing Vitamin D levels can decrease cancer risk by more than half.

The sun is by far the best source of Vitamin D, but knowing when and how long to be outside — without burning — is complicated. It depends on where you are, the time of year, your skin type, your age, and more.

The App

dminder solves this by tracking the sun wherever you go in the world and computing when you can get Vitamin D, how much you can make, and how long you can safely stay outside. The stopwatch interface lets you set your session target by either amount of D or time. It applies all the factors that determine D production: skin tone, age, weight, and amount of skin exposed.

All your doses of D — from the sun or supplements — are used to continuously estimate your current blood level. Available free on iOS and Android.

Developed with Dr. Michael Holick

dminder was developed in collaboration with Dr. Michael F. Holick, PhD, MD, Professor of Medicine, Physiology and Biophysics at the Boston University School of Medicine. Dr. Holick is the world's foremost authority on Vitamin D and its role in human health.

The algorithms behind dminder are based on decades of research into how the human body produces Vitamin D from UVB radiation, considering solar elevation, atmospheric ozone, skin type, age, and body composition.

Made by Ontometrics

dminder is built and maintained by Ontometrics, based in Los Angeles, California. We're dedicated to using technology to help people make better health decisions.

Questions or feedback? Reach us at info@ontometrics.com.

Useful Resources