Racial pigmentation and the cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D

Neonatal vitamin D status at birth at latitude 32°72′: evidence of deficiency

“…To achieve similar quantities of previtamin D 3 , an individual with high-melanin content of skin must be exposed to UVB light 4-5 times as long as an individual with low melanin. 23 This difference in skin melanin content is thought to be responsible for the increased risk for rickets for African-American infants. Manifestations of vitamin D deficiency include rickets, osteomalacia and osteoporosis.…”

A Dermatologist's Perspective on Vitamin D

“…32 A study published in 1991 investigated the relationship between skin pigmentation and vitamin D 3 formation. 31 The investigators found that after a fixed dose of UV-B radiation, serum vitamin D 3 levels were significantly higher in white and Asian groups than in African American and East Indian groups. Interestingly, they also found that serum 1,25(OH 2 )D levels and VBP levels were similar in all groups, regardless of skin pigmentation.…”

“…The second is to promote seasonal UV-B photosynthesis of vitamin D 3 in areas proximal to the poles, resulting in lighter skin pigmentation. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][29][30][31][32] Vitamin D may even have a role in melanogenesis because melanocytes in situ express the vitamin D receptor. 32 A study published in 1991 investigated the relationship between skin pigmentation and vitamin D 3 formation.…”

“…Interestingly, they also found that serum 1,25(OH 2 )D levels and VBP levels were similar in all groups, regardless of skin pigmentation. 31 FIGURE 2. Structure of human skin.…”

“…36 In summary, most available evidence indicates that there is an inverse association between skin pigmentation and serum 25(OH)D levels. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36] …”