Due to increased dangers of sun exposure, many people living in areas having the highest sunlight intensity have become conscious of their skin health. Melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer plagues many fair-skinned people than dark-skinned. The key factor to such is the presence of melanin, the brown pigment that causes the dark color of the eyes, hair and skin, among others.

People with brown and dark skin colors have greater amounts of melanin, protecting the skin from too much (which can already be harmful) UVB rays. However, the same pigment may also cause other health threats to people who have African-American descent because melanin blocks the UVB rays from penetrating deep into the skin, where specialized cells await for production of vitamin D.

The Health Dangers of Vitamin D Deficiency

In 2009, Future Microbiology published the findings of a study initiated by researchers at Oregon State University. Headed by Adrian Gombart, the report said that vitamin D deficiency is prevalent across the world.

"Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency is a worldwide, public health problem in both developed and developing world. Nearly one billion people worldwide are deficient," said Gombart.

The Institute of Medicine said in its survey conducted on vitamin D deficiency in the United States that from 2001-06, a quarter of the U.S. population was at risk of vitamin D inadequacy. Its researchers maintained the risks of deficiency range according to the age, race, sex, and ethnicity.

Oregon's research reported that vitamin D deficiency may increase the risks of tuberculosis and mortality from cancers.

Meanwhile, during the 53rd Annual Meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology, researchers at Commonwealth Medical College presented the result of the study on the link between vitamin D deficiency and cancer patients at Northeast Radiation Oncology Center.

"Until recently, studies have not investigated whether vitamin D has an impact on the prognosis or course of cancer. Researchers are just starting to examine how vitamin D may impact specific features of cancer . . . and even sub-types of cancer," said Thomas Churilla, the head of the research team.

The study focused on 160 patients aged 64 afflicted with cancers such as breast, prostate, lung, thyroid and colorectal. Researchers found 77 per cent of patients had vitamin D concentrations either deficient or sub-optimal.

American physician and author of various medical books, Joseph Mercola, explained vitamin D is crucial to maintaining healthy immune system function, particularly in combating infections. A deficiency in vitamins will leave a person vulnerable to diseases carried by viruses, bacteria and fungi.