Open AccessSkin pigmentation and vitamin D–folate interactions in vascular function: an update
Author(s) -
S. Tony Wolf,
W. Larry Kenney
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
current opinion in clinical nutrition and metabolic care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1473-6519
pISSN - 1363-1950
DOI - 10.1097/mco.0000000000000788
Subject(s) - micronutrient , vitamin d and neurology , bioavailability , vitamin , physiology , medicine , biology , endocrinology , pharmacology , pathology
Vitamin D and folate promote vascular endothelial health and may therefore help mitigate the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure stimulates cutaneous vitamin D synthesis but degrades the bioactive metabolite of folate, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF). Skin melanin absorbs UVR, thereby modulating the impact of UVR exposure on vitamin D and 5-MTHF metabolism. This review presents recent findings regarding the inter-relations among UVR, skin pigmentation, folate and vitamin D, and endothelial function.