Question

Which vitamin is synthesized by skin?

Answer 1

When subjected to UV radiation, the human skin's epidermal layer synthesizes vitamin D. A type of vitamin D3 called cholecalciferol is synthesized in the presence of sunlight from a derivative of the skin's steroid cholesterol. The liver converts cholecalciferol to calcidiol, which is then transformed in the kidneys to calcitriol (the vitamin's active chemical form). Vitamin D is vital for ordinary calcium and phosphorus absorption that is necessary for healthy bones. The absence of sun exposure can lead to a lack of vitamin D in the body, resulting in a condition called rickets, a painful situation in kids where the bones lack calcium.