Synthesis in the skin
by Admin
Posted on 29-10-2024 12:59 PM
Vitamin d (also referred to as calciferol) is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in a few foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement. It is also produced endogenously when ultraviolet (uv) rays from sunlight strike the skin and trigger vitamin d synthesis.
Vitamin d obtained from sun exposure, foods, and supplements is biologically inert and must undergo two hydroxylations in the body for activation. The first hydroxylation, which occurs in the liver, converts vitamin d to 25-hydroxyvitamin d [25(oh)d], also known as calcidiol. The second hydroxylation occurs primarily in the kidney and forms the physiologically active 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin d [1,25(oh)2d], also known as calcitriol [ 1 ].
Vitamin d is a group of fat-soluble secosteroids responsible for increasing intestinal absorption of calcium , magnesium , and phosphate , along with numerous other biological functions. In humans, the most significant compounds within this group are vitamin d3 ( cholecalciferol ) and vitamin d2 ( ergocalciferol ). The primary natural source of vitamin d is the synthesis of cholecalciferol in the lower layers of the skin’s epidermis , triggered by a photochemical reaction with ultraviolet b (uv-b) radiation from sunlight or uv-b lamps. Cholecalciferol and ergocalciferol can also be obtained through diet and supplements. https://www.specialistsupplements.com/product-category/cleanse-and-detox/
What is vitamin D deficiency?
Vitamin d is one of many vitamins your body needs to stay healthy. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of calcium in your blood and bones and in building and maintaining bones. More specifically, you need vitamin d so your body can use calcium and phosphorus to build bones and support healthy tissues. With chronic and/or severe vitamin d deficiency, a decline in calcium and phosphorus absorption by your intestines leads to hypocalcemia (low calcium levels in your blood).
This leads to secondary hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid glands attempting to keep blood calcium levels normal). Both hypocalcemia and hyperparathyroidism, if severe, can cause symptoms, including muscle weakness and cramps, fatigue and depression.
Severe bone or muscle pain or weakness stress fractures, especially in your legs, pelvis, and hips a healthcare professional can diagnose a vitamin d deficiency by performing a simple blood test. If you have a deficiency, your doctor may order x-rays to check the strength of your bones.
The potential role for vitamin d and its active metabolite 1,25(oh)2d3 in modulating the immune response has long been recognized since the discovery of vitamin d receptors (vdr) in macrophages, dendritic cells (dc), and activated t and b lymphocytes, the ability of macrophages and dc as well as activated t and b cells to express cyp27b1, and the ability of 1,25(oh)2d3 to regulate the proliferation and function of these cells. While these are the key cells mediating the adaptive immune response, 1,25(oh)2d, vdr, and cyp27b1 are also expressed in a large number of epithelial cells which along with the aforementioned members of the adaptive immune response contribute to host defense by their innate immune response.
Your body makes vitamin d when your bare skin is exposed to the sun. Most people get at least some vitamin d this way. However, clouds, smog, old age, and having dark-colored skin reduce the amount of vitamin d your skin makes. Also, your skin does not make vitamin d from sunlight through a window. Ultraviolet radiation from sunshine can cause skin cancer , so it’s important to limit how much time you spend in the sun. Although sunscreen limits vitamin d production, health experts recommend using sunscreen with a sun protection factor ( spf ) of 15 or more when you’re out in the sun for more than a few minutes.
It is important is to take steps to avoid high blood pressure and diabetes. They’re responsible for more than two-thirds of the cases of chronic kidney disease. Fortunately, everyone can do a few easy things to reduce their hypertension and diabetes risk. Many of these can help boost your vitamin d levels at the same time: eat more oily fish. It’s a good source of vitamin d, and its healthy fat reduces your blood pressure. Go for a 30-minute walk or participate in physical activity outside each day. It helps lower blood sugar, blood pressure, and weight, and the sunshine boosts your vitamin d.