Vitamin D is often referred to as the "sunshine vitamin." This is because exposure to UV light can convert a substance in skin,________,into vitamin D₃.

Question

Vitamin D is often referred to as the "sunshine vitamin."  This is because exposure to UV light can convert a substance in skin,________,into vitamin D₃.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The substance in skin that can be converted into vitamin D₃ by exposure to UV light is 7-dehydrocholesterol. Ergocalciferol (choice B) is a form of vitamin D derived from plants and is not produced in the skin. Calcidiol (choice C) is a metabolite of vitamin D₃ that is produced in the liver. Calcitriol (choice D) is the active form of vitamin D and is produced in the kidneys.

Vitamin D Is Often Referred to as the "Sunshine Vitamin