Vitamin D and the Skin Color Evolution

SciVee ◽  
2009 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 867
Author(s):  
Ayyappan Anitha ◽  
Suresh A. Poovathinal ◽  
Vijitha Viswambharan ◽  
Ismail Thanseem ◽  
Mahesh M. Vasu ◽  
...  

Background: Authors examined serum vitamin D status among the healthy school children belonging to the south Indian state of Kerala.Methods: A cross-sectional study, participants were recruited through medical camps organized in Thrissur and Palakkad districts of central Kerala during the months of March and April 2017. A 174 healthy school children (98 males and 76 females) aged 5-13 years were recruited for the study. The children were found to be healthy on the basis of physical examination by a Paediatrician. None of the children had any symptoms of skeletal deformities. All the children were drug-naive. Data on height, weight, skin color, food habits, physical activities and socio-economic status were recorded. A 2ml of peripheral blood samples were collected from the participants. Total vitamin D in the serum was estimated by chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA).Results: VDD was observed in 60.92% and insufficiency in 30.46% of the participants. Only 8.62% of the participants had normal vitamin D levels. The mean vitamin D level was 19.93 ng/ml. Males had significantly higher vitamin D levels compared to females. Factors such as age, height, weight, diet, skin color and socio-economic status did not influence vitamin D levels.Conclusions: This is the first study of vitamin D status among the school-age children of Kerala. This paper adds further evidence to the reports indicating high prevalence of subclinical VDD among children across India and calls for action.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 175394472097771
Author(s):  
Virna Margarita Martín Giménez ◽  
León Ferder ◽  
Felipe Inserra ◽  
Joxel García ◽  
Walter Manucha

COVID-19 is said to be a pandemic that does not distinguish between skin color or ethnic origin. However, data in many parts of the world, especially in the United States, begin to show that there is a sector of society suffering a more significant impact from this pandemic. The Black population is more vulnerable than the White population to infection and death by COVID-19, with hypertension and diabetes mellitus as probable predisposing factors. Over time, multiple disparities have been observed between the health of Black and White populations, associated mainly with socioeconomic inequalities. However, some mechanisms and pathophysiological susceptibilities begin to be elucidated that are related directly to the higher prevalence of multiple diseases in the Black population, including infection and death by COVID-19. Plasma vitamin D levels and evolutionary adaptations of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in Black people differ considerably from those of other races. The role of these factors in the development and progression of hypertension and multiple lung diseases, among them SARS-CoV-2 infection, is well established. In this sense, the present review attempts to elucidate the link between vitamin D and RAAS ethnic disparities and susceptibility to infection and death by COVID-19 in Black people, and suggests possible mechanisms for this susceptibility.


Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1516
Author(s):  
Sara Estéfani S. Sousa ◽  
Márcia Cristina Sales ◽  
José Rodolfo T. Araújo ◽  
Karine C.M. Sena-Evangelista ◽  
Kenio C. Lima ◽  
...  

Vitamin D may play a significant role in regulating the rate of aging. The objective of the study was to assess vitamin D status and its associated factors in institutionalized elderly individuals. A total of 153 elderly individuals living in Nursing Homes (NH) were recruited into the study. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration was used as the biomarker of vitamin D status, and it was considered as the dependent variable in the model. The independent variables were the type of NH, age-adjusted time of institutionalization, age, sex, skin color, body mass index, waist and calf circumference, physical activity practice, mobility, dietary intake of vitamin D and calcium, vitamin D supplementation, use of antiepileptics, and season of the year. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations less than or equal to 29 ng/mL were classified as insufficient vitamin D status. The prevalences of inadequate dietary intake of vitamin D and calcium were 95.4% and 79.7%, respectively. The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was 71.2%, and the mean serum concentration of 25(OH)D was 23.9 ng/mL (95% confidence interval [CI]: 22.8–26.1). Serum 25(OH)D concentration was associated with the season of summer (p = 0.046). There were no associations with other independent variables (all p > 0.05). The present results showed that a high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was significantly associated with summer in institutionalized elderly individuals.


2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 409-422 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Marina Serrao Cabral ◽  
Angelo Jose Goncalves Bos ◽  
Hidemori Amano ◽  
Satoshi Seino ◽  
Shoji Shinkai

Purpose This paper aims to observe the possible relationship between skin color, sun exposure level, UV protection and food intake and serum levels of 25(OH) D in Japanese older adults. Design/methodology/approach Elderly (n = 131; 65-93 years old), followed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology in the Kusatsu (36°N) received a self-applicable questionnaire about the quantity and quality of the daily sun exposure and behavior to avoid the sun. A color analyzer measured each red (R), green (G) and blue (B) component of skin color, and dietary vitamin D was estimated by food frequency questionnaire. Serum 25(OH) D levels were collected and categorized as sufficiency (>30 ng/mL), insufficiency (between 20 and 30 ng/mL) and deficiency (<20 ng/mL). Findings High proportion of participants had insufficiency (53 per cent) and deficiency (25 per cent) levels of 25(OH) D. Insufficiency levels were more prevalent in women (57 per cent, p = 0.048) and in participants that use gloves (49 per cent, p = 0.054) and sunscreen on face (76 per cent, p = 0.003) as a sun protection way. Participants with sufficiency levels of 25(OH) D presented lower values of R (p = 0.067), G (p = 0. 007) and B (p = 0.001) of skin color (what is meaning darker skin) and a higher fish intake (12 times per week). Research limitations/implications The study is a cross-sectional design and brings a potential for measurement error in the recorded subjective variables. There is a memory bias in self-reported sun exposure and food consumption; however, in the multivariate analysis, it was demonstrated a significant association. Second, although the authors have sought to evaluate a number of variables that could affect the skin’s ability to synthesize vitamin D, there are many other factors that may affect this ability that could not be accounted for. Another limitation was the assessment of self-reported ultraviolet exposure data rather than direct measurement of exposure. Practical implications It was also concluded that darker skin color (a surrogate of longer-term sun exposure) participants had a lower prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in this ethnic homogeneous population. When accessing patients’ skin color, the clinician must account for his or her ethnicity. Social implications Governments should regulate supplementation or food fortification with vitamin D, with special focus in countries with geographical location of insufficient solar radiation for skin synthesis of this vitamin. With this, it becomes a priority that a safe sun exposure ensures the sufficient serum levels of 25 (OH) D without the use of supplements. Originality/value This report was the first to analyze skin color components associated to vitamin D levels, finding that blue and green colors were significant. The clinical implication of this find is yet to understand. It was also concluded that darker skin color (a surrogate of longer-term sun exposure) participants had a lower prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in this ethnic homogeneous population. When accessing patients’ skin color, the clinician must account for his or her ethnicity.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryam Razaghi ◽  
Catherine Vanstone ◽  
Olusola Sotunde ◽  
Nathalie Gharibeh ◽  
Sarah Kimmins ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Vitamin D status is positively associated with lean mass phenotype in healthy infants born with sufficient vitamin D stores. The objective is to test whether rapid correction of low neonatal vitamin D status improves body composition (lean mass and fat mass) at 6 mo of age. Methods In a double-blinded randomized parallel group controlled trial (NCT02563015), healthy term neonates of appropriate weight for gestational age were recruited from Montreal. Capillary blood samples were collected 24–36 h post natally for measurement of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] (Liaison, Diasorin Inc.). Infants with serum 25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L (n = 87) were randomized to receive 400 or 1000 IU/d until 6 mo of age. Those with 25(OH)D ≥ 50 nmol/L (n = 31) were recruited as a reference group, and received 400 IU/d. Anthropometry, lean mass and fat mass (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) were measured at baseline, 3 and 6 mo. Skin color was measured using a spectrophotometer. Differences between treatments and reference groups were tested using mixed model and repeated measures ANOVA accounting for the effects of sex, season of birth, skin color and gestational age (GA). Results Neonates (67 males, 51 females) were 39.6 ± 1wk GA and 3387 ± 371 g at birth. There were no differences between groups in lean mass or fat mass at baseline; nor in weight or length at any time-point. Combined treatment groups, had lower serum 25(OH)D concentrations at birth compared to the reference group (33 ± 11 vs. 69 ± 13 nmol/L, P < 0.0001). However, at 6 mo of age, serum 25(OH)D concentration was higher in the group receiving 1000 IU/d (n = 34), in comparison to the group receiving 400 IU/d (n = 29), and the reference (n = 19) group (125.0 ± 34.0, 82.2 ± 21.5 vs. reference 85.4 ± 32.1 nmol/L, P < 0.0001). Whole body lean mass was significantly different among groups (5071.3 ± 750.0, 4944.1 ± 616.3 and 5166.0 ± 645.4 g, respectively, P = 0.03), with infants in the treatment group provided a 400 IU/d supplement having a lower lean mass by 6 mo of age compared to the 1000 IU/d group. Fat mass was not different among groups following post-hoc testing (2967.0 ± 929.0 and 2962.0 ± 952.0, 2742.0 ± 754.0 g, P = 0.16). Conclusions Higher dosage supplementation of vitamin D rapidly improved vitamin D status and supported a leaner body phenotype in infancy. Funding Sources Canadian Institutes of Health Research.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1A) ◽  
pp. 320-328
Author(s):  
Maria Mexitalia ◽  
Martvera Susilawati ◽  
Rina Pratiwi ◽  
JC Susanto

Latar Belakang : Paparan sinar matahari pada kulit merupakan cara terbaik untuk sintesis vitamin D. Kadar vitamin D yang adekuat dalam tubuh merupakan proteksi terhadap berbagai penyakit seperti penyakit degeneratif, kanker dan juga infeksi saluran napas. Beberapa penelitian menghubungkan kadar vitamin D yang rendah dengan morbiditas dan mortalitas COVID-19. Hal ini menyebabkan fenomena baru pada masyarakat yaitu kebiasaan berjemur. Tujuan : Artikel ini akan membahas tentang metabolisme vitamin D, peran sinar matahari dalam mengaktifkan vitamin D di dalam tubuh, dan peran vitamin D dalam berbagai penyakit, khususnya mekanisme imunitas untuk COVID-19. Diskusi : Vitamin D meningkatkan kekebalan alami seluler terutama dengan cara menginduksi peptida antimikroba, yang meliputi cathelicidin, LL-37, 1,25-dihdroxyvitamin D dan defensins. Selain itu vitamin D akan meningkatkan sekresi hidrogen peroksida pada sel monosit. Pemberian vitamin D dosis tinggi sebanyak 10.000 IU/hari selama beberapa minggu dilanjutkan 5000 IU/hari bermanfaat untuk mencegah COVID-19, walaupun hasilnya masih memerlukan penelitian lebih lanjut. Absorpsi sinar matahari ke dalam tubuh manusia dipengaruhi oleh warna kulit, penggunaan bahan pakaian dan tabir surya , dan luas pajanan. Paparan sinar matahari sebesar satu Minimal Erythemal Dose (MED) pada orang dewasa dapat meningkatkan konsentrasi vitamin D setara dengan suplementasi 10.000 – 25.000 IU. Penelitian pada bayi yang diberi paparan 3 kali seminggu @ 5 menit pada jam 10.00-14.00, dengan paparan 50% area tubuh selama 2 bulan, mendapatkan kenaikan 25(OH)D sebesar 8,9 ng/mL. Simpulan : Vitamin D yang diaktifkan oleh paparan sinar matahari sangat bermanfaat sebagai proteksi berbagai penyakit termasuk juga pada COVID-19, walaupun efektifitasnya masih memerlukan penelitian lebih lanjut. Kata Kunci : COVID-19, vitamin D, paparan sinar matahari   Background : The exposured of sunlight on the skin is the best way for vitamin D synthesis. Adequate vitamin D levels are protection against various diseases such as degenerative diseases, cancer and also respiratory infections. Several studies have linked between low vitamin D levels with COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. This causes a new phenomenon in the community, namely sunbathing. Purpose : This review rearticle will discuss about vitamin D metabolism, the role of sunlight in activating vitamin D in the body, and the role of vitamin D in various diseases, specifically the immune mechanism for COVID-19.Discussion : Vitamin D increases cellular innate immunity mainly by inducing antimicrobial peptides, which include cathelicidin, LL-37, 1,25-dihdroxyvitamin D and defensins, and also increase the secretion of hydrogen peroxide in monocyte cells. The administration of high-dose vitamin D of 10,000 IU / day for several weeks followed by 5000 IU / day is useful to prevent COVID-19, although the results still require further research. The sun exposure to activated vitamin D body is affected by skin color, using of clothing and sunscreen, and area of ??exposure. Sun exposure of one Minimum Erythemal Dose (MED) in adults can increase vitamin D concentrations equivalent to 10,000 - 25,000 IU vitamin D supplementation. Study on infants who were given exposure 3 times a week @ 5 minutes at 10:00 to 14:00, with exposure 50% of body surface area for 2 months, increased 25(OH)D of 8.9 ng/mL. Conclusion : Vitamin D which is activated by sun exposure is very useful as protection for various diseases including COVID-19, although its effectiveness still requires further research. Keywords : vitamin D, sun exposure, COVID-19.


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