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Related Concept Videos

Connective Tissue Cell Types01:22

Connective Tissue Cell Types

Connective tissue develops from the mesoderm of a developing embryo and consists of cells, fibers, and ground substance: a gel-like material containing large complexes of carbohydrates and proteins. Connective tissue was first identified as a separate tissue family in the 18th century, and Johannes Peter Muller coined the term connective tissue.
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Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis01:23

Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis

The skin plays a crucial role in the synthesis of vitamin D, a vital nutrient for various physiological processes in the body. Vitamin D is unique because it can be synthesized in the skin through a series of chemical reactions triggered by exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight.
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin D3(cholecalciferol).
Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis01:21

Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis

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Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health01:25

Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health

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Vitamins01:30

Vitamins

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Updated: Jun 25, 2026

A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data
10:46

A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data

Published on: December 9, 2015

Geographical differences in vitamin D status, with particular reference to European countries.

Lars Ovesen1, Rikke Andersen, Jette Jakobsen

  • 1Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, 30A Sydmarken, 2860 Søborg, Denmark. lov@fdir.dk

The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society
|March 17, 2004
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Vitamin D levels are often low in Europe due to insufficient dietary intake and sun exposure. Measuring 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in serum is key to assessing vitamin D status, especially in vulnerable groups.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 25, 2026

A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data
10:46

A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data

Published on: December 9, 2015

Area of Science:

  • Nutritional Science
  • Public Health
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin via sunlight exposure and obtained from diet and supplements.
  • European vitamin D intake is generally low, often below 2-3 microg/d.
  • Sunlight exposure may not sufficiently compensate for low dietary intake in Europe.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the vitamin D nutritional status in European populations.
  • To identify factors contributing to low vitamin D levels.
  • To highlight the importance of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) as a biomarker.

Main Methods:

  • Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration measurement.
  • Analysis of dietary intake, sunlight exposure, and supplement use.
  • Assessment of vitamin D status across different European countries and age groups.

Main Results:

  • A significant proportion of elderly and adolescent populations in Europe exhibit low serum 25(OH)D concentrations.
  • Low vitamin D status is more prevalent in certain regions, such as France (approx. 40% in the elderly) compared to Nordic countries (approx. 10%).
  • Disease, immobility, and infrequent supplement use exacerbate low vitamin D status.

Conclusions:

  • Low vitamin D status is a considerable public health concern in Europe.
  • Serum 25(OH)D is a reliable indicator for assessing vitamin D nutritional status.
  • Interventions addressing dietary intake, supplement use, and factors like immobility are crucial for improving vitamin D levels.