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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...
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...
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...
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...
Pharmacogenetic Phenotypes: Alterations in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Targets and Biologic Milieu01:29

Pharmacogenetic Phenotypes: Alterations in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Targets and Biologic Milieu

Genetic variations significantly influence drug response through pharmacokinetics, receptor interactions, and biologic milieu modifications. Pharmacokinetic alterations impact drug metabolism and clearance, affecting efficacy and toxicity. Variants in drug-metabolizing enzymes, such as CYP2C9 and CYP2C19, alter drug activation and elimination. For example, CYP2C9 loss-of-function variants require lower warfarin doses to prevent excessive bleeding, while CYP2C19 variants reduce clopidogrel...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data
10:46

A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data

Published on: December 9, 2015

[Ethnicity and vitamin D].

Philippe Chauveau1, Michel Aparicio

  • 1Service de néphrologie, hôpital Pellegrin, CHU de Bordeaux, place Amélie-Raba-Léon, 33000 Bordeaux, France; Aurad-Aquitaine, 2, allée des Demoiselles, 33170 Gradignan, France.

Nephrologie & Therapeutique
|May 15, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Vitamin D deficiency is more prevalent in African Americans, yet they show lower fracture risks. This highlights potential ethnic differences in vitamin D

Area of Science:

  • Nutritional science and epidemiology
  • Chronic disease research
  • Renal medicine

Background:

  • Vitamin D deficiency is frequently observed in African Americans, influenced by factors including skin pigmentation.
  • Despite lower vitamin D levels, these populations exhibit a reduced risk of fragility fractures.
  • Vitamin D deficiency is implicated in the progression of chronic diseases and increased mortality risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the complex relationship between vitamin D levels, ethnicity, and health outcomes.
  • To explore the implications of vitamin D deficiency in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and overall mortality.
  • To determine if ethnicity-specific recommendations for vitamin D are necessary, particularly in renal function assessment.

Main Methods:

Keywords:
CarenceChronic renal diseaseEthnicityEthnicitéInsuffisance rénaleVitamin DVitamine D

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 11, 2026

A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data
10:46

A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data

Published on: December 9, 2015

  • Analysis of existing cohort studies, primarily from the US.
  • Examination of the interplay between social, environmental, and biological factors (e.g., skin color) in vitamin D status.
  • Correlation of vitamin D levels with fracture risk, chronic disease progression, and mortality rates.

    • Main Results:

    • African Americans demonstrate a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency.
    • A paradox exists where lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in African Americans are associated with decreased fracture risk.
    • Vitamin D deficiency is linked to poorer outcomes in chronic kidney disease and higher mortality.

    Conclusions:

    • Skin color is a significant factor in vitamin D deficiency prevalence across ethnicities.
    • The observed lower fracture risk despite low vitamin D in African Americans warrants further investigation.
    • Current estimations of renal function may require adjustments for ethnicity, suggesting a need for tailored vitamin D guidelines.