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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).
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...
Lipid-derived Compounds in the Human Body01:31

Lipid-derived Compounds in the Human Body

Fats and lipids are crucial components in the human body. Some lipid-derived compounds, such as fat-soluble vitamins, eicosanoids, lipoproteins, and glycolipids, also play unique roles to support various  biological processes .
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are required in minimal quantities, but their deficiencies can lead to severely abnormal physiological conditions. For example, vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, dry skin, delayed...
Compounds Essential to Human Function01:25

Compounds Essential to Human Function

The human body is composed of cells that are fundamentally made up of several different molecules. These molecules are essential to carry out all physiological processes in the body and are broadly classified into organic and inorganic based on their chemical structures.
Inorganic Compounds Essential to Human Functioning
Inorganic compounds essential to human functioning include water, salts, acids, and bases. These compounds are inorganic, i.e., they do not have a carbon-hydrogen bond. Water...
Mineral, Vitamin and Water Absorption01:27

Mineral, Vitamin and Water Absorption

Electrolytes are essential minerals and ions primarily obtained from the diet and absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. Most electrolytes are absorbed in the small intestine. While the absorption of iron and calcium primarily occurs in the duodenum, calcium is also absorbed in the jejunum and ileum. In these regions, passive diffusion contributes to its absorption alongside active transport mechanisms in the duodenum. These ions can exit the enterocytes through specialized active...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 15, 2026

Quantitative Analysis of Dietary Vitamin A Metabolites in Murine Ocular and Non-Ocular Tissues Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography
05:03

Quantitative Analysis of Dietary Vitamin A Metabolites in Murine Ocular and Non-Ocular Tissues Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

Published on: December 27, 2024

Vitamin D3: an ever green molecule.

Michele Di Rosa1, Lucia Malaguarnera, Anna Nicolosi

  • 1Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy. miky.dirosa@hotmail.it

Frontiers in Bioscience (Scholar Edition)
|January 2, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Vitamin D3 is crucial for vertebrate health, synthesized via UVB exposure and metabolized in the liver and kidneys. This review explores its role in diseases and immune cell function.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 15, 2026

Quantitative Analysis of Dietary Vitamin A Metabolites in Murine Ocular and Non-Ocular Tissues Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography
05:03

Quantitative Analysis of Dietary Vitamin A Metabolites in Murine Ocular and Non-Ocular Tissues Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

Published on: December 27, 2024

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Immunology
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Vitamin D3 is essential for vertebrate homeostasis.
  • It is synthesized in the skin via UVB exposure from 7-dehydrocholesterol.
  • Further metabolism occurs in the liver and kidneys to form the active calcitriol.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review vitamin D3 metabolism.
  • To discuss the association between vitamin D3 levels and various pathological conditions.
  • To explore the link between vitamin D3 and immune cells.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of vitamin D3 metabolism and function.
  • Analysis of evidence linking vitamin D3 to diseases like osteoporosis, cancer, and immune disorders.
  • Examination of vitamin D3's interaction with immune cells.

Main Results:

  • Vitamin D3 synthesis is dependent on UVB radiation and specific environmental factors.
  • Altered vitamin D3 levels are implicated in numerous diseases.
  • Vitamin D3 plays a significant role in immune system regulation.

Conclusions:

  • Vitamin D3 is a vital regulator of homeostasis with broad physiological effects.
  • Understanding vitamin D3 metabolism and its role in disease is critical for public health.
  • Further research into the vitamin D3-immune cell axis may reveal new therapeutic strategies.