Can dark skin lead to vitamin D deficiency?

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Does having dark skin increase the risk of Vitamin D deficiency?
Yes. There is more melanin pigment in people with darker skin. This pigment has the property of blocking ultraviolet radiation. Since ultraviolet radiation is essential for the formation of vitamin D in the body, individuals with darker skin need more exposure to sunlight than people with lighter skin and are therefore at a greater risk of developing Vitamin D deficiency.

Last Updated on September 19, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Melanin is a substance in your body that produces hair, eye and skin pigmentation. Its content is substantially higher in black skin compared to white skin. In this article, we will learn if dark skin causes vitamin D deficiency and are people with a darker skin shade are more prone to Vitamin D deficiency.

Does dark skin cause vitamin D deficiency?

Having dark skin does not cause vitamin D deficiency, but it can make it more difficult for the body to produce vitamin D from sunlight. Skin pigmentation, i.e., melanin, absorbs the UVR that initiates vitamin D synthesis and hence decreases the vitamin D that is made for a given exposure compared to less pigmented skin.

People with darker skin typically have higher levels of melanin, which means they need more sun exposure to produce the same amount of vitamin D as someone with lighter skin. This can make it more difficult for people with dark skin to get enough vitamin D from sunlight alone, especially in regions with less sunlight or during the winter months. Remember, those who are vegan might be at an increased risk.

Therefore, while dark skin does not directly cause vitamin D deficiency, people with dark skin may be at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency and may need to consider taking supplements or increasing their dietary intake of vitamin D. It is crucial for the body. Its deficiency can also cause bones and muscles, in some cases, it is associated with heart diseases. It’s always important to speak with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplements or making significant changes to your diet.

Are people with darker skin shades more prone to vitamin D deficiency?

Yes, People with darker skin are at a higher risk of Vitamin D deficiency because the pigment (melanin) in darker skin does not absorb as much ultraviolet (UV) radiation as compared to people with lighter skin colour.

Vitamin D3 is made by the skin when it is exposed to direct sunlight by the reaction of 7-dehydrocholesterol with UVB radiation present in sunlight. Darker skin protects against exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Still, it also inhibits the synthesis of Vitamin D. Those with darker skin colour must spend more time exposed to the sunlight to make the same amount of Vitamin D as compared to the ones with lighter skin tones.

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

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Does having dark skin increase the risk of Vitamin D deficiency?
Yes. There is more melanin pigment in people with darker skin. This pigment has the property of blocking ultraviolet radiation. Since ultraviolet radiation is essential for the formation of vitamin D in the body, individuals with darker skin need more exposure to sunlight than people with lighter skin and are therefore at a greater risk of developing Vitamin D deficiency.

Last Updated on September 19, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Does having dark skin increase the risk of Vitamin D deficiency?
Yes. There is more melanin pigment in people with darker skin. This pigment has the property of blocking ultraviolet radiation. Since ultraviolet radiation is essential for the formation of vitamin D in the body, individuals with darker skin need more exposure to sunlight than people with lighter skin and are therefore at a greater risk of developing Vitamin D deficiency.

Last Updated on September 19, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Does having dark skin increase the risk of Vitamin D deficiency?
Yes. There is more melanin pigment in people with darker skin. This pigment has the property of blocking ultraviolet radiation. Since ultraviolet radiation is essential for the formation of vitamin D in the body, individuals with darker skin need more exposure to sunlight than people with lighter skin and are therefore at a greater risk of developing Vitamin D deficiency.

Last Updated on September 19, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Does having dark skin increase the risk of Vitamin D deficiency?
Yes. There is more melanin pigment in people with darker skin. This pigment has the property of blocking ultraviolet radiation. Since ultraviolet radiation is essential for the formation of vitamin D in the body, individuals with darker skin need more exposure to sunlight than people with lighter skin and are therefore at a greater risk of developing Vitamin D deficiency.

Last Updated on September 19, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Does having dark skin increase the risk of Vitamin D deficiency?
Yes. There is more melanin pigment in people with darker skin. This pigment has the property of blocking ultraviolet radiation. Since ultraviolet radiation is essential for the formation of vitamin D in the body, individuals with darker skin need more exposure to sunlight than people with lighter skin and are therefore at a greater risk of developing Vitamin D deficiency.

Last Updated on September 19, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

More in

Questions
Fact Check
Interviews
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Videos
Does having dark skin increase the risk of Vitamin D deficiency?
Yes. There is more melanin pigment in people with darker skin. This pigment has the property of blocking ultraviolet radiation. Since ultraviolet radiation is essential for the formation of vitamin D in the body, individuals with darker skin need more exposure to sunlight than people with lighter skin and are therefore at a greater risk of developing Vitamin D deficiency.

Last Updated on September 19, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Does having dark skin increase the risk of Vitamin D deficiency?
Yes. There is more melanin pigment in people with darker skin. This pigment has the property of blocking ultraviolet radiation. Since ultraviolet radiation is essential for the formation of vitamin D in the body, individuals with darker skin need more exposure to sunlight than people with lighter skin and are therefore at a greater risk of developing Vitamin D deficiency.

Last Updated on September 19, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Does having dark skin increase the risk of Vitamin D deficiency?
Yes. There is more melanin pigment in people with darker skin. This pigment has the property of blocking ultraviolet radiation. Since ultraviolet radiation is essential for the formation of vitamin D in the body, individuals with darker skin need more exposure to sunlight than people with lighter skin and are therefore at a greater risk of developing Vitamin D deficiency.

Last Updated on September 19, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Does having dark skin increase the risk of Vitamin D deficiency?
Yes. There is more melanin pigment in people with darker skin. This pigment has the property of blocking ultraviolet radiation. Since ultraviolet radiation is essential for the formation of vitamin D in the body, individuals with darker skin need more exposure to sunlight than people with lighter skin and are therefore at a greater risk of developing Vitamin D deficiency.

Last Updated on September 19, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Does having dark skin increase the risk of Vitamin D deficiency?
Yes. There is more melanin pigment in people with darker skin. This pigment has the property of blocking ultraviolet radiation. Since ultraviolet radiation is essential for the formation of vitamin D in the body, individuals with darker skin need more exposure to sunlight than people with lighter skin and are therefore at a greater risk of developing Vitamin D deficiency.

Last Updated on September 19, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

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Dr. Shikha Shiromani
Dr. Shikha Shiromani
A dental surgeon by education and medical writer by profession, Shikha is passionate to bring her knowledge and experience in busting the myths around medicine and health. At THIP, she is involved in researching, fact-checking and answering all kinds of questions related to health.
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