Melanin production

Melanin, a pigment found in skin, eyes, and the brain, plays a crucial role in protecting against UV radiation and aging. Additionally, it has lesser-known but significant electrically active properties which contribute to its function in energy storage similarly to a capacitor. This can explain why darker skin ages more slowly and why melanin is present in areas like the back of the eyes, which require sudden bursts of electrical activity. 1

Moreover, melanin production can be stimulated naturally through exposure to certain environmental factors and dietary choices. For instance, consuming foods high in chromophores, like shellfish and macadamia nuts, and utilizing red light for skin preconditioning can enhance melanin production through the activation of certain biological pathways such as palmitoyl-protein thioesterase (PalmSE), which leads to increased melanin synthesis. 2

The biological significance of melanin extends beyond just coloration: it is intricately linked to the body's energy transformation processes and mitochondrial function, reflecting its evolutionary importance in mammals. 3