Comment on: The Vitamin D⁻Folate Hypothesis as an Evolutionary Model for Skin Pigmentation: An Update and Integration of Current Ideas, Nutrients 2018, 10, 554.

Peter M Elias,Mary L Williams

doi:10.3390/nu10111753

Peter M Elias, Mary L Williams

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10111753

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Abstract

In response to a recent article by Jones et al. (Nutrients 10: 554⁻568, 2018) [1], we agree that three distinctive features evolved in Homo erectus prior to the emergence of modern humans.[...].

Highlights

Dear Editor, In response to a recent article by Jones et al (Nutrients 10: 554–568, 2018) [1], we agree that three distinctive features evolved in Homo erectus prior to the emergence of modern humans
These include the widespread dispersal of eccrine glands; a dramatic reduction in furry pelage, followed by dense pigmentation of recently exposed skin
Though no one doubts that cutaneous pigmentation evolved in response to exposure to potentially toxic levels of ultraviolet B irradiation (UVB) in equatorial Africa [3], the contentious issue is “why.” Jones et al take issue with our proposition that pigmentation evolved to optimize permeability and antimicrobial barrier function in the hostile, infectious soup of equatorial

Summary

Introduction

Dear Editor, In response to a recent article by Jones et al (Nutrients 10: 554–568, 2018) [1], we agree that three distinctive features evolved in Homo erectus prior to the emergence of modern humans. Aside from the skin barrier concept, two other hypotheses continue to be advanced to explain the development of dense cutaneous pigmentation: first, to prevent the development of skin cancers—the so-called ‘genotoxic hypothesis’ [9]; and second, the possibility that skin darkened to prevent the photodegradation of folic acid and its biologically active metabolites [3,10].

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