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Evolution, Prehistory and Vitamin D

Author

Listed:
  • Paul Jarrett

    (Department of Dermatology, Middlemore Hospital, Auckland 2025, New Zealand
    Department of Medicine, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand)

  • Robert Scragg

    (Department of Population Health, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1072, New Zealand)

Abstract

Aspects of human evolutionary biology and prehistory are discussed in relation to vitamin D. The evolution of hairlessness, combined with the need for efficient eccrine sweat production for cooling, provided evolutionary pressure to protect the skin from ultraviolet damage by developing cutaneous pigmentation. There was a subsequent loss of pigmentation as humans journeyed to northern latitudes. Their increasing mastery of technology outstripped evolution’s finite pace as further dispersal occurred around the globe. A timeline for the development of clothing to provide warmth, and the consequent shielding from ultraviolet light, which diminished vitamin D synthesis, can be inferred by an examination of mutations in the human louse.

Suggested Citation

  • Paul Jarrett & Robert Scragg, 2020. "Evolution, Prehistory and Vitamin D," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-7, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:2:p:646-:d:310640
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    3. Chris Stringer, 2003. "Out of Ethiopia," Nature, Nature, vol. 423(6941), pages 693-695, June.
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