Tag: Uv radiation

According to the National Institutes of Health, your skin does not produce vitamin D when sunlight is filtered through a window, as the glass blocks the necessary UV rays. This surprising fact debunks the common myth that you can get vitamin D from sunshine through the window, impacting how many people address their vitamin levels and sun protection.

Studies on modern-day hunter-gatherer populations in East Africa, like the Hadzabe and Maasai, reveal mean serum vitamin D levels of around 115 nmol/L (46 ng/ml). This provides a crucial benchmark for how much vitamin D did our ancestors get and highlights a dramatic shift from current average levels in many industrialized societies.

The vitamin D folate hypothesis is a prominent evolutionary theory that explains the diversity of human skin pigmentation as an adaptation to different levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It posits a delicate balancing act between synthesizing UV-beneficial vitamin D and protecting against UV-harmful folate photodegradation.

Over 72% of daily sun-exposed individuals in a Brazilian study were found to be vitamin D deficient, indicating that tanning is an unreliable method for nutrient absorption. This surprising fact challenges the notion that getting a deep tan effectively helps increase vitamin D production, especially considering the significant health risks involved.

Over 1 billion people worldwide are estimated to have vitamin D deficiency, making dietary sources and supplements critical for public health. Ergosterol is called pro-vitamin D because it serves as a biological precursor to vitamin D2, a process that relies on ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This sterol, found in fungi and yeast, is chemically converted into the active vitamin form, offering a unique pathway for humans to acquire this vital nutrient.

Globally, over 50% of the population is at risk for vitamin D deficiency, yet how our bodies produce this essential nutrient remains a common point of confusion for many. The critical question is, is vitamin D from UV A or B, and understanding the precise mechanism is key to safe sun exposure and overall health.

An estimated 50% of the world's population is at risk for vitamin D deficiency, yet much confusion exists about its sources. You cannot get vitamin D from UV-4, because 'UV-4' is a misunderstanding rooted in a common misinterpretation of the UV Index.

Many people mistakenly believe they are safe from UV radiation on an overcast day, but studies show that up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate clouds. This means you still can get vitamin D from cloudy skies, though the efficiency of your body's production is greatly reduced.

Recent research into evolutionary biology has shed light on a fascinating, albeit indirect, connection between folic acid and vitamin D through shared metabolic influences and sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. While they have distinct functions, an understanding of their relationship is crucial for maintaining overall health and preventing deficiencies.

According to the National Institutes of Health, solar ultraviolet-B radiation (UVB) is the primary source of vitamin D for most people. This means that the answer to, 'Do you get vitamin D from UV radiation?' is a definitive yes, though the process is more complex than simply soaking up the sun's warmth.