Vitamin D is produced in the skin when exposed to sunlight. This process begins with a cholesterol-like compound called 7-dehydrocholesterol. When ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight hits the skin, it converts 7-dehydrocholesterol into vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). The body then converts vitamin D3 into its active form, calcitriol, which plays a crucial role in regulating calcium and phosphorus levels, promoting bone health, and supporting immune function.
Important notes:
- Vitamin D production in the skin is maximized at levels of sunlight exposure that do not burn the skin.
- Most of the UVB radiation is absorbed in the epidermis, which is the outer layer of the skin.
- The amount of vitamin D produced by the skin depends on several factors, including skin pigmentation, age, and the intensity and duration of sunlight exposure.
- While sunlight is the most natural source of vitamin D, it is also possible to get vitamin D through dietary sources and supplements.
