For African-Caribbean communities, the pigment on our skin does not allow us to process enough Vitamin D, we are at risk of deficiency throughout the year. Melanin protects the skin against ultraviolet light. But by blocking the sun’s rays, melanin affects the skin’s ability to activate pre-vitamin D. The darker the skin, the longer you have to be in the sun to produce the same amount of vitamin D as someone with lighter skin. It’s important to take vitamin D as you may have been indoors more than usual this year during COVID.