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Related Concept Videos

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).
Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health01:25

Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health

The growth and maintenance of bone are regulated by a combination of nutritional factors, including vitamins, such as vitamin A, B12, C, D, and K.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
Vitamins01:30

Vitamins

Vitamins, derived from the Latin word for life, are essential organic substances required in small quantities for optimal growth and overall well-being. Unlike other organic nutrients, vitamins don't act as sources of energy or building materials but rather facilitate these nutrients' utilization by the body. Vitamins are predominantly coenzymes, assisting enzymes in specific chemical actions, like the oxidation of glucose for energy involving B vitamins. Most vitamins are not produced in our...
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.
Fat cells (adipocytes), smooth muscle cells (myoblasts), and bone cells (osteoblasts) are some connective tissue cell types. Some immune system cells...
Mineral, Vitamin and Water Absorption01:27

Mineral, Vitamin and Water Absorption

Electrolytes are essential minerals and ions primarily obtained from the diet and absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. Most electrolytes are absorbed in the small intestine. While the absorption of iron and calcium primarily occurs in the duodenum, calcium is also absorbed in the jejunum and ileum. In these regions, passive diffusion contributes to its absorption alongside active transport mechanisms in the duodenum. These ions can exit the enterocytes through specialized active...
Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives01:14

Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives

The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 4, 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

Vitamin D: a growing perspective.

Samantha Kimball1, Ghada El-Hajj Fuleihan, Reinhold Vieth

  • 1Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. samantha.kimball@utoronto.ca

Critical Reviews in Clinical Laboratory Sciences
|June 24, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Vitamin D deficiency is common, leading to rickets in children. Higher vitamin D intake may improve bone density in adolescent girls, but more research is needed for long-term health benefits.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Endocrinology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Vitamin D deficiency is a global health concern affecting all age groups, particularly children from immigrant populations, leading to persistent rickets in developed countries.
  • Current vitamin D guidelines (200-400 IU/day) appear sufficient to prevent rickets at typical calcium intakes, with an incidence of 2.9-7.5 cases per 100,000 children.
  • Maternal vitamin D status during pregnancy, specifically third-trimester 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), is linked to fetal bone accrual and potential prepubertal bone mass.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current data on vitamin D status and its health effects from pregnancy through adolescence.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of existing vitamin D guidelines and explore the impact of higher intake on bone health.
  • To examine the broader roles of vitamin D in immune function and cellular processes.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 4, 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

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature and clinical trials on vitamin D status and health outcomes.
  • Analysis of data on vitamin D deficiency prevalence and rickets incidence in various populations.
  • Examination of studies investigating the relationship between vitamin D intake, bone mineral accrual, and bone density.

Main Results:

  • While current guidelines prevent rickets in infancy, 200 IU/day shows limited impact on vitamin D status (serum 25(OH)D) beyond infancy.
  • Higher vitamin D intake has demonstrated improvements in bone density gain in adolescent girls.
  • Vitamin D plays roles beyond bone health, including immune regulation and anti-proliferative effects, with early inadequacy linked to later-life risks.

Conclusions:

  • Existing vitamin D guidelines are effective for preventing rickets in infancy.
  • Increased vitamin D intake shows promise for improving bone density in adolescents.
  • Further long-term interventional studies are necessary to confirm the widespread health benefits of higher vitamin D consumption throughout life.