Toronto: Skin exposure to UVB light can alter the gut microbiome in humans through vitamin D mediation, according to a study which could help explain the protective effect of sunlight in inflammatory diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS) and irritable bowel disorder (IBD).
Exposure to UVB in sunlight is well-known to drive vitamin D production in the skin, and recent studies suggest that the sunshine vitamin alters the human gut microbiome. 21 female volunteers were given three one-minute sessions of full-body UVB exposure in a single week. Skin UVB exposure significantly increased gut microbial diversity, but only in subjects who were not taking vitamin D supplements during the (winter) study.
“Prior to UVB exposure, these women had a less diverse and balanced gut microbiome than those taking regular vitamin D supplements,” said Professor Bruce Vallance.
—PTI
