[Vitamin D: skeletal and extra skeletal effects; recommendations for good practice]

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Nutritional Science
• Geriatrics

Background:

• Vitamin D plays a critical role in bone metabolism.
• Recent research indicates potential non-skeletal health benefits of vitamin D.
• Maintaining adequate vitamin D status is essential for overall health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the established and potential effects of vitamin D on skeletal and non-skeletal health.
• To highlight the importance of monitoring vitamin D levels.
• To provide recommendations for vitamin D assessment and supplementation.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent scientific literature on vitamin D's role in bone metabolism and non-skeletal health.
• Analysis of studies investigating the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels and various health outcomes.
• Evaluation of factors influencing vitamin D status and recommendations for measurement.

Main Results:

• Sufficient vitamin D (serum 25OHD > 30ng/mL) reduces non-vertebral fracture risk, improves neuromuscular function, and lowers fall risk.
• Potential benefits of vitamin D include reduced mortality, non-skin cancer risk, infections, inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and osteoarthritis.
• Evidence for non-skeletal benefits is currently less robust than for skeletal effects.

Conclusions:

• Vitamin D is vital for skeletal health, with clear benefits for fracture prevention and fall reduction at adequate serum levels.
• While promising, the non-skeletal benefits of vitamin D require further investigation to strengthen the evidence base.
• Serum 25OHD measurement is recommended for individuals with osteoporosis or at risk, with deficiency correction advised.