UVR and vitamin D synthesis

Abstract

Vitamin D is also known as the sunshine vitamin for all the good reasons. During the skin exposure to sunlight, UVB photolyses 7-dehydrocholesterol of skin into pre-vitamin D3 which further gets isomerized into vitamin D3. Human beings typically count on sunlight exposure for their total vitamin D need. Skin pigmentation/colouration, use of proper sunscreen, photoaging of one’s skin, particular time of the day, seasonal changes/fluctuations and, lastly, latitude hugely influence synthesis of pre-vitamin D3. Around 50% of total population of the world is currently under deficiency of vitamin D according to reports. Vitamin D deficiency may be partially due to inadequate vitamin D-enriched foods and well-known misapprehension of healthy diet being adequate in vitamin D. Its deficiency is responsible for causing retardation in growth and rickets primarily in kids. Further, in adults it may cause osteoporosis, osteopenia and increased risk of fractures. The other severe consequences include cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases and common cancers. Thus, for the humans, there is a constant need to emphasize on the intake of crucial amount of sunlight to fulfil their essential threshold vitamin D requirements for a better well-being.