Albino

[Dark Angel]

Do albino people live for a shorter time than others. Once heard that they don't live for long. Also, heard that female albinos in particular die at a young age. is this true. 

[soonny]

NO.

Albinism is a genetic disorder where there is either total absense or decreased pigmentation produced. eg. Melanin For melanin to be produced, the enzyme Tyrosinase, is a necessary part of the chemical process. In albinism this enzyme is either absent completely, or is present in a reduced amount and does not produce the normal amount of pigment.

This defect does not affect any of the other organs like the heart, lungs, kidney etc and thus their medical problems are pretty much similar to a normal person.

However, since melanin protects the skin against harmful UV rays, albino people stand a higher chance of getting skin cancer. Try to avoid too much exposure to sun rays and also wear sun block if possible. Other than that, they are very healthy individuals.

[Dark Angel]

Thanks Soonny.

By the way, I'm not an albino, but was curious about this. Had heard these things about albino people before and was reminded when the other day I saw a man with this condition working at a construction site.

[soonny]

No problem dark angel. Albino people do draw some attention sometimes I admit that. Here in my country albinism is a very rare case, so the only contacts I've had with albino people is from foreign students. If you'd like to know more about their lifestyle perhaps you should interview them. haha. :p

[pinkgeek]

No, albino people in the UK have the same life expectancy as the rest of the population. The extra they run is for skin cancer, which means that albino africans are more likely to die young.