Skin pigmentation and vitamin D-folate interactions in vascular function: an update

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Dermatology

Background:

• Vitamin D and folate are crucial for vascular endothelial health, potentially mitigating cardiovascular disease (CVD).
• Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) stimulates vitamin D synthesis but degrades folate's active form (5-methyltetrahydrofolate, 5-MTHF).
• Skin melanin influences UVR's impact on vitamin D and folate metabolism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent findings on the interplay between UVR, skin pigmentation, folate, vitamin D, and endothelial function.
• To explore how these factors influence cardiovascular health.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent scientific literature.
• Analysis of preclinical and clinical studies.
• Examination of the relationship between UVR exposure, skin pigmentation, and micronutrient metabolism.

Main Results:

• Supplementation with folic acid or vitamin D shows inconsistent effects on CVD endpoints but improves endothelial function.
• Vitamin D deficiency is common in individuals with darker skin pigmentation in low-UVR areas.
• Higher UVR exposure correlates with lower serum folate in lighter-pigmented individuals.
• Interactions between UVR, folate, and vitamin D differentially affect endothelial function across different skin pigmentation types.

Conclusions:

• UVR exposure differentially affects folate and vitamin D metabolism based on skin pigmentation, UVR intensity, and seasonality.
• These interactions raise new clinical research questions regarding UVR, skin pigmentation, nutrient bioavailability, and endothelial health.