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Biology/sun exposer

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Expert: - 10/24/2008


Question
what would happen if someone was never exposed to the sun?

Answer
Dear Lindsey,

If you mean a human, then that person would have serious problems with skeletal health, as the body needs sunlight to manufacture vitamin D, essential to bone health.  Dietary supplements can help. But for best health, a human needs about 15 minutes of sunlight (not necessarily direct sunlight) per day.

A person with vitamin D metabolism problems will have bone density disorders, problems with the teeth, and will be very pale-skinned, to the limit of his/her genetic makeup.

Hope that helps.

Dana

Biology

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Volunteer

Dana Krempels, Ph.D.

Expertise

I can answer biology-related questions in the areas of evolution, zoology, botany, genetics, and ecology. But I don't answer homework questions or provide ideas for your science fair projects. So students please do your learning the right way by reading your text assignments and studying!

Experience

At the University of Miami, I teach Evolution and Biodiversity, Botany, Zoology, Genetics, Ecology, and a variety of seminars (e.g., the Biology and Evolution of Human Gender Roles).

Education/Credentials
I have a B.S. in Biology and an A.B. in English from the University of Southern California (1980). I earned my Ph.D. in Biology in the area of evolutionary biology/visual physiology from the University of Miami in 1989.

Past/Present Clients
I am currently an "expert" in both the "Rabbits" and "Wild Animals" categories.

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