@dw.science: Nutrition provides your organism with nutrients, but if you have dark skin, there is a higher chance that you have a vitamin D deficiency. Especially if you live in the higher latitudes. Nearly three- quarters of African Americans are estimated to be deficient in vitamin D, according to a 2019 study published in the Journal of Investigative Medicine. Another study in 2021 shows that African Americans are 15 to 20 times more likely to have severe vitamin D deficiency. A healthy diet and exposure to the sun lets your body produce a healthy amount of vitamin D. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun triggers the synthesis of vitamin D in our body. But overexposure can also cause skin cancer. Dark skin - caused by a pigment called melanin, which absorbs the UV rays - prevents penetration of radiation into the body. At the same time, it leads to lowered vitamin D production. Vitamin D regulates the amount of calcium in your body. Lack of it can cause weak muscles and bones, sensitivity to pain, spasms and potentially even depression. To combat it get a daily dose of sunshine for 15 – 30 minutes and eat a vitamin D rich diet which includes oily fish, egg yolks, red meat or vitamin D fortified foods. Author: Sushmitha Ramakrishnan #darkskin #blackisbeautiful #health #healthy #spf #vitamind #vitamins #wellness #nutrients #hormones #dwhealth #dwscience #LearnOnTikTok #STEMTok #sciencetok

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Wednesday 24 July 2024 13:54:22 GMT