Ultraviolet B Radiation: The Vitamin D Connection

Adv Exp Med Biol. 2017:996:137-154. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-56017-5_12.

Abstract

Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin. During exposure to sunlight the skin transforms 7-dehydrocholesterol into vitamin D3. Throughout evolution vitamin D3 has played a pivotal role in the evolution of vertebrates. Vitamin D is not only critically important for bone health but has a multitude of other biologic functions to help reduce chronic illnesses. This Chapter reviews how vitamin D is produced in the skin, factors that affect its production and a prospective on how to obtain vitamin D from sensible sun exposure.

Keywords: Rickets; Sunlight; UVB radiation; Vitamin D; Vitamin D deficiency.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Risk Factors
  • Sunlight* / adverse effects
  • Time Factors
  • Ultraviolet Rays* / adverse effects
  • Vitamin D / metabolism
  • Vitamin D / radiation effects*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / epidemiology
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / metabolism
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / prevention & control*

Substances

  • Vitamin D