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Related Concept Videos

Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis01:23

Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis

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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...
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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.
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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.
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Sulfur is an essential element in biological systems, contributing to synthesizing key biomolecules, including amino acids such as cysteine and methionine, and cofactors such as coenzyme A and biotin. Microorganisms primarily assimilate sulfur as sulfate (SO₄²⁻) from the environment, which must undergo a series of biochemical transformations before it can be incorporated into cellular components. As sulfate is highly oxidized, it must undergo assimilatory sulfate reduction to...
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At the molecular level, visual signals trigger transformations in photopigment molecules, resulting in changes in the photoreceptor cell's membrane potential. The photon's energy level is denoted by its wavelength, with each specific wavelength of visible light associated with a distinct color. The spectral range of visible light, classified as electromagnetic radiation, spans from 380 to 720 nm. Electromagnetic radiation wavelengths exceeding 720 nm fall under the infrared category,...
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The integumentary system is the organ system that comprises the skin and its associated structures. It is the largest system in the human body and plays a crucial role in protecting and maintaining homeostasis. The integumentary system serves several functions including protection, regulation, sensation, and secretion.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 6, 2025

Quantification of Hypopigmentation Activity In Vitro
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Vitamin D and Pigmented Skin.

Carsten Carlberg1

  • 1School of Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland.

Nutrients
|January 21, 2022
PubMed
Summary

Vitamin D3 is primarily produced in skin exposed to UV-B light. This endogenous production is crucial for human health and vitamin D status.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Dermatology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is mainly synthesized endogenously.
  • UV-B radiation exposure on skin is the primary source of vitamin D3 production in humans.
  • Endogenous vitamin D3 production is a critical factor in maintaining human health.

Discussion:

  • The study explores the significance of endogenous vitamin D3 production.
  • It highlights the role of UV-B radiation in this process.
  • The findings underscore the importance of skin's role in vitamin D synthesis.

Key Insights:

  • UV-B exposure is the default pathway for human vitamin D3 supply.
  • Endogenous synthesis in skin is fundamental for vitamin D status.
  • Understanding this mechanism is key for health and therapeutic strategies.

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Outlook:

  • Further research into optimizing endogenous vitamin D3 production.
  • Investigating the impact of varying UV-B exposure levels on vitamin D status.
  • Exploring therapeutic applications related to skin-based vitamin D synthesis.