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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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Pigmentation01:19

Pigmentation

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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.
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
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Mutations01:35

Mutations

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Mutations are changes in the sequence of DNA. These changes can occur spontaneously or they can be induced by exposure to environmental factors. Mutations can be characterized in a number of different ways: whether and how they alter the amino acid sequence of the protein, whether they occur over a small or large area of DNA, and whether they occur in somatic cells or germline cells.
Chromosomal Alterations Are Large-Scale Mutations
While point mutations are changes in a single nucleotide in...
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Vitamins01:30

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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...
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Skin Cancer

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Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
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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.
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Sunscreen and vitamin D: Part I.

Lawrence Chukwudi Nwabudike1

  • 1N. Paulescu National Institute of Diabetes, Bucharest, Romania.

Clinics in Dermatology
|April 9, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Vitamin D, a steroid hormone, was discovered due to the rickets epidemic in industrial Europe. Its history highlights scientific trial and error, connecting sunlight to human health and evolution.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Human Evolution
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Vitamin D is a ubiquitous supplement and therapy, yet its discovery is often overlooked.
  • Early human ancestors had dark skin for sun protection, evolving lighter skin after migrating from Africa.
  • The rickets epidemic in industrial Europe spurred research into its causes and cures.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the historical discovery of vitamin D.
  • To illustrate the scientific process of establishing new concepts through research.
  • To highlight the connection between vitamin D, sunlight, and human health.

Main Methods:

  • Historical review of scientific literature.
  • Analysis of evolutionary adaptations in human skin pigmentation.

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  • Examination of epidemiological data related to rickets.

    • Main Results:

    • The discovery of vitamin D was driven by a need to combat rickets.
    • Vitamin D's connection to sunlight exposure was established through scientific investigation.
    • Human skin pigmentation evolved in response to UV radiation levels.

    Conclusions:

    • Vitamin D's discovery exemplifies the rigorous, often challenging, nature of scientific research.
    • Understanding vitamin D's origins provides insight into its crucial role in health.
    • The evolution of skin pigmentation is linked to vitamin D synthesis and sun exposure.