You are a delight
D light
[Verse 1]
Have I got that right
You are the light
The synthesis
A natural bliss (Kiss)
[Bridge]
Radiation transformation
Turns on a chemical reaction
An ultraviolet outlet
Turns you on, and…
[Chorus]
(You know)
I love the way you glow
You are the light
(The delight)
[Break]
Ultraviolet B D light
Endure the exposure and you’re
[Break]
The light
[Verse 2]
Yes, that’s right
You are the light
Pure delight (D light)
The synthesis of this
(Synthesize I’s)
[Bridge]
Radiation transformation
Turns on a chemical reaction
An ultraviolet outlet
Turns you on, and…
[Chorus]
(You know)
I love the way you glow
You are the light
(The delight)
A SCIENCE NOTE
Humans do not photosynthesize sunlight to directly produce vitamin D in the same way that plants use photosynthesis to synthesize carbohydrates. Instead, humans rely on a process that occurs in their skin in response to sunlight exposure.
When the skin is exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight, a precursor molecule called 7-dehydrocholesterol, which is naturally present in the skin, undergoes a chemical reaction. This reaction converts 7-dehydrocholesterol into previtamin D3, which is then rapidly converted into vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) through a heat-dependent process.
Vitamin D3 is not yet active and needs further processing to become biologically active. The liver plays a crucial role in this process by hydroxylating vitamin D3 to form 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], also known as calcidiol. This compound serves as the major circulating form of vitamin D in the bloodstream and is used as a measure of vitamin D status in the body.
Finally, 25(OH)D undergoes additional hydroxylation in the kidneys, primarily, to form the biologically active form of vitamin D, known as 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D] or calcitriol. Calcitriol regulates calcium and phosphate metabolism, promoting bone health and supporting various physiological functions throughout the body.
Overall, sunlight exposure plays a crucial role in initiating the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin, which is then further processed in the liver and kidneys to produce the biologically active form of the vitamin. However, it’s important to balance sun exposure to avoid harmful effects of excessive UV radiation, such as sunburn and an increased risk of skin cancer.