Question

Which vitamin is synthesized in skin?

Answer 1

Vitamin is an organic molecule which is an essential micronutrient. Vitamins are needed by the organisms in small amounts for the proper functioning of their metabolism.

Complete Answer:
- The skin is responsible for the production of Vitamin D. During exposure to Sunlight, Ultraviolet radiations penetrate into the epidermal layer of skin.
- In the epidermis these ultraviolet radiations photolyzed pro vitamin D3 to previtamin D3.
- Previtamin D3 can either be isomerised to Vitamin D3 or be photolysed to lumisterol and tachysterol.
- In the presence of Sunlight, Vitamin D3 which is called cholecalciferol gets synthesized from the derivative of the steroid cholesterol that is present in the skin.
- Vitamin D is essential for normal absorption of Calcium and Phosphorus. Calcium is required for healthy bones.
- Vitamin D is also essential for general immunity against bacterial, viral and fungal infections.
- Now-a-days Vitamin D is added as a supplement to many foods such as juices, milk, etc.

Hence it is clear from the above discussion that Vitamin D is synthesized in skin.

Note: The deficiency of Vitamin D causes a disease called Rickets. In this disease the bones are misshapen due to lack of Calcium and cause bowleggedness. As sunlight is the major source for the production of Vitamin D, the absence of Sun exposure can cause the deficiency of Vitamin D.