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Evolution, Prehistory and Vitamin D.

Paul Jarrett1,2, Robert Scragg3

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Human evolution involved skin pigmentation changes for UV protection and later loss in higher latitudes. Technological advancements like clothing reduced UV exposure, impacting vitamin D synthesis.

Keywords:
Africaclothingevolutionfolatehumanlousemigrationtechnologyvitamin D

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Area of Science:

  • Human evolutionary biology
  • Prehistoric studies
  • Nutritional science

Background:

  • Human skin pigmentation evolved as a protective mechanism against ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
  • Migration to higher latitudes led to a decrease in skin pigmentation to facilitate vitamin D synthesis.
  • Technological advancements, such as clothing, influenced UV exposure and vitamin D levels.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the relationship between human evolution, vitamin D, and UV radiation exposure.
  • To infer the timeline of technological developments impacting vitamin D synthesis.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of human evolutionary biology and prehistory.
  • Examination of cutaneous pigmentation changes in relation to latitude.
  • Inference of technological timelines through genetic analysis of human louse mutations.

Main Results:

  • Hairlessness and sweating evolved, necessitating pigmentation for UV protection.
  • Reduced pigmentation occurred with migration to northern latitudes.
  • Human louse genetics suggest a timeline for clothing development, impacting UV exposure and vitamin D synthesis.

Conclusions:

  • Human evolutionary adaptations and technological progress have significantly influenced vitamin D synthesis and UV radiation exposure.
  • The development of clothing played a crucial role in modulating UV exposure and vitamin D levels during human dispersal.