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Vitamin D

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Abstract

Vitamin D evolved for the development and maintenance of a healthy vertebrate skeleton. Vitamin D (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D) maintains serum calcium and phosphorus levels in a physiologic range for skeleton mineralization. Vitamin D increases intestinal calcium absorption, stimulating osteoblast function and mobilizing osteoclast precursor cells to enhance bone calcium mobilization. Most vitamin D for the human requirement comes from exposure to sunlight. Sunscreen use, aging, and an increase in latitude or skin pigmentation dramatically reduce the cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D3. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to increased risk of many chronic diseases, including diabetes, cancer, hypertension, and heart disease. There is strong evidence that vitamin D plays a role in immunomodulation, cellular proliferative activity regulation, and renin production downregulation. Thus, vigilance to prevent vitamin D deficiency by the measurement of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D is important for overall health and well-being. Although the recommended adequate intake for vitamin D is 200, 400, and 600 international units (IUs) for ages 0–50, 51–70, and 71+ yr, respectively, in the absence of exposure to adequate sunlight, the requirement is at least 1000 IUs of vitamin D. Responsible sun exposure will guarantee vitamin D sufficiency. Eating and drinking foods fortified with vitamin D, such as milk and orange juice, also provides some of the vitamin D requirement.

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  1. Vitamin D, Skin, and Bone Research Laboratory, Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, 715 Albany St., M-1013, Boston, MA

    Michael F. Holick PhD, MD

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Holick, M.F. Vitamin D. Clinic Rev Bone Miner Metab 1, 181–207 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1385/BMM:1:3-4:181

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