The vitamin synthesized in skin is vitamin D.
Vitamin D Synthesis in Skin: A Detailed Look
The skin, our largest organ, plays a vital role in the synthesis of vitamin D. This process is remarkable because it utilizes sunlight to initiate the production of this crucial nutrient. The specific mechanism involves ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun penetrating the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin.
How Sunlight Triggers Vitamin D Production
- UV radiation exposure: When sunlight reaches the skin, the ultraviolet radiation initiates the process.
- Provitamin D3 to Previtamin D3: Specifically, UV radiation photolyzes provitamin D3 into previtamin D3.
Here's a breakdown of the steps:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Sunlight Exposure: Skin is exposed to sunlight. |
| 2 | UVB Penetration: Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation penetrates the epidermis. |
| 3 | Photolysis: UVB radiation photolyzes provitamin D3 to previtamin D3. |
| 4 | Conversion: Previtamin D3 is converted to vitamin D3, which is further converted in the liver and kidneys into the active form of vitamin D. |
The skin's ability to produce vitamin D is essential for overall health, as vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption, bone health, immune function, and more.
Therefore, the synthesis of vitamin D is a major function of the skin when exposed to sunlight.
