Scientists discover three genes linked to skin color and risk of severe vitamin D deficiency

Genes related to skin color may be the best indicator of a person’s vitamin D deficiency, according to a new study.

The researchers found that African American participants with a specific mutation had vitamin D levels up to three times lower than what is considered the normal range for a healthy person.

Scientists have found that low levels of vitamin D are linked to several cancers, including breast, colon, rectum and prostate, as well as COVID-19.

The team at City of Hope – an independent biomedical research and treatment center based in Duarte, Calif. – says the results suggest that in the future, doctors may be better off prescribing the correct dose of vitamin D supplements and help reduce the risk of these diseases.

“ We should not shy away from this new study examining the genetics of skin color and its effects on vitamin D deficiency, as being color blind is what has led to the widespread health disparities that we, as a company, let’s try to figure it out now, ” said Dr Rick Kittles, director of the Health Equities Division at the Beckman Research Institute in City of Hope.

Vitamin D is sometimes referred to as the “sunshine vitamin” because the skin naturally creates it when exposed to the sun.

It is found in foods such as milk, cheese, egg yolks, tuna, and salmon, although often in small amounts, which is why supplements are sometimes needed.

Epidemiological research has suggested that incidence and mortality rates for certain types of cancer are lower in people living in southern latitudes, with high levels of sun exposure, than in those living in northern latitudes.

Additionally, previous studies have shown that having ‘adequate’ levels of vitamin D reduces the risk of serious complications and death from COVID-19.

Additionally, breed is one of the biggest predictors of low vitamin D levels.

“Skin color has strong social and biological significance – social because of race and racism and biological because over 70% of African Americans are deficient in vitamin D, which leads to an increased risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease, ”Kittles added.

For the study, published in the journal PLOS Genetics, the team looked at data from 1,076 people who identified as African-American.

Researchers collected blood samples, which they used to analyze DNA and vitamin D levels.

They also measured the skin covering the area of ​​the inner upper arm using a digital reflectometer.

They looked at three genes with strong links to skin color: SLC24A5, SLC45A2 and OCA2

All three provide instructions for making a protein that is found in melanocytes, which are specialized cells that produce melanin, the pigment that determines the color of the skin.

Black participants with a genetic variant of the gene called SLC24A5 were more likely to have vitamin D levels of 12 nanograms per milliliter (ng / mL) or less.

Normal level range between 20 and 40 ng / mL for a healthy person.

The team hopes to use their results to create a risk score assessment that can someday be used in doctors’ offices.

For example, in the future, a doctor might assess a person’s skin tone and lifestyle and use the tool to prescribe the appropriate dosage of vitamin D supplements.

“ This study is an example of the interplay of race and skin color on health and how if we ignore things like a person’s skin color, we can ignore potential medical issues. , thus contributing to health care disparities, ” Kittles said.

“Our study provides new insight into an easily modifiable factor such as vitamin D supplementation and inherited genetic factors affecting vitamin D deficiency in African Americans.

“With more research, in the future, doctors could offer patients of color an inexpensive way to reduce their risk of vitamin deficiency, which could ultimately help protect against certain cancers.