How is vitamin D produced?

Vitamin D is primarily produced in our bodies through sun exposure. Our skin contains a chemical called 7-dehydrocholesterol, which reacts with UVB rays from the sun to create vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). This compound then undergoes transformations in the liver and kidneys to become the active form of vitamin D, essential for various bodily functions, including bone health and immune support 1.

For a deeper biological perspective, our skin acts as an endocrine organ in this process. Sunlight triggers skin cells, specifically keratinocytes, to produce vitamin D and signal other hormonal pathways, emphasizing the crucial role of sun exposure in maintaining adequate vitamin D levels 2.