Although it is not well understood yet, we do know that different reptiles and amphibians vary in their sensitivity to UVB i.e.in the amount they require to photosynthesise vitamin D. We still have more to learn.
Blue
All vertebrates need vitamin D to allow them to absorb calcium from their gut and to be able to make use of it in their bodies. It is stored in its inactive form in the liver. There are only two sources of vitamin D, diet and photosynthesis in the skin using UVB light. Those animals that eat whole vertebrates get sufficient vitamin D from the livers of their prey and sufficient calcium from the bones of their prey. This is why they do not need UVB exposure or supplementation of vitamin D or calcium in the diet.
Those animals that are herbivorous, insectivorous or omnivorous are highly likely to need some exposure to UVB and / or dietary supplementation of Vitamin D, as well as calcium, plus other minerals and vitamins, depending upon their diet and the levels of these nutrients it contains. A lot of supplementation is done as a precaution rather than as a necessity as it is often impossible to replicate their natural diets in captivity.
Although it is not well understood yet, we do know that different reptiles and amphibians vary in their sensitivity to UVB i.e.in the amount they require to photosynthesise vitamin D. We still have more to learn.
Blue
Enter your email address to join: