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Related Concept Videos

Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis01:23

Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis

The skin plays a crucial role in the synthesis of vitamin D, a vital nutrient for various physiological processes in the body. Vitamin D is unique because it can be synthesized in the skin through a series of chemical reactions triggered by exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight.
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin D3(cholecalciferol).
Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives01:14

Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives

The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Connective Tissue Cell Types01:22

Connective Tissue Cell Types

Connective tissue develops from the mesoderm of a developing embryo and consists of cells, fibers, and ground substance: a gel-like material containing large complexes of carbohydrates and proteins. Connective tissue was first identified as a separate tissue family in the 18th century, and Johannes Peter Muller coined the term connective tissue.
Fat cells (adipocytes), smooth muscle cells (myoblasts), and bone cells (osteoblasts) are some connective tissue cell types. Some immune system cells...
Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health01:25

Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health

The growth and maintenance of bone are regulated by a combination of nutritional factors, including vitamins, such as vitamin A, B12, C, D, and K.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
Vitamins01:30

Vitamins

Vitamins, derived from the Latin word for life, are essential organic substances required in small quantities for optimal growth and overall well-being. Unlike other organic nutrients, vitamins don't act as sources of energy or building materials but rather facilitate these nutrients' utilization by the body. Vitamins are predominantly coenzymes, assisting enzymes in specific chemical actions, like the oxidation of glucose for energy involving B vitamins. Most vitamins are not produced in our...
Pigmentation01:19

Pigmentation

The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...

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A dermatologist's perspective on vitamin D.

Veena Vanchinathan1, Henry W Lim

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.

Mayo Clinic Proceedings
|March 20, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This article reviews vitamin D, a crucial hormone, from a dermatology viewpoint. It covers sources, risks of sun exposure, and testing for vitamin D deficiency.

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Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Endocrinology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Vitamin D is essential for health, but its role in disease is debated.
  • Understanding vitamin D metabolism and sources is crucial for public health.
  • Dermatological perspectives are vital for addressing vitamin D-related controversies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a dermatologic perspective on vitamin D in a Q&A format.
  • To review current knowledge on vitamin D sources, metabolism, and health implications.
  • To address controversies and provide recommendations regarding vitamin D.

Main Methods:

  • Review of scientific literature on vitamin D.
  • Discussion of cutaneous photobiosynthesis, diet, and supplementation.
  • Analysis of factors influencing vitamin D levels, including skin pigmentation and sun exposure.

Main Results:

  • Multiple factors influence vitamin D levels, including skin pigmentation, climate, and sun protection.
  • Sun exposure for vitamin D normalization carries risks of radiation.
  • Groups at risk for vitamin D inadequacy and the need for testing are identified.

Conclusions:

  • Recommendations for vitamin D intake, testing, and management are provided.
  • Phototherapy may play a role in specific conditions like malabsorption and sarcoidosis.
  • A balanced approach considering benefits and risks of sun exposure is necessary.